Bicycle lights

Abstract

We provide a bicycle light with a configuration that allows light from the light source to easily exit from the edges of the lens. [Solution] The bicycle light 1 comprises a main body 10 having a light source 11A that emits light along a first direction A1, and a lens 20 attached to the main body 10. The inner surface 30 of the lens 20 includes a front surface 30A, a proximal inner surface 30C, and a distal inner surface 30B. The proximal inner surface 30C has a plurality of proximal protrusions 33C, and the distal inner surface 30B has a plurality of distal protrusions 33B. When a reference line SL1 is defined that extends in a second direction A2 perpendicular to the first direction A1, the distance D2a between each tip 34C of the plurality of proximal protrusions 33C and the reference line SL1 in the first direction A1 increases as it moves away from the light source 11A in the second direction A2, and the distance D1a between each tip 34B of the plurality of distal protrusions 33B and the reference line SL1 in the first direction A1 decreases as it moves away from the light source 11A in the second direction A2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle light.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a bicycle light includes a main body having a light source and a lens attached to the main body so as to cover the light source (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-011868).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a bicycle light, for the purpose of brightly illuminating the surroundings with light from the light source or making it easier for the presence of the bicycle to be recognized by surrounding drivers, pedestrians, etc., it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which the light from the light source is likely to be emitted from the edge of the lens.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle light having a configuration in which light from a light source is likely to be emitted from the edge of a lens.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A bicycle light based on a first aspect of the present invention comprises a main body having a light source that emits light along a first direction, and a lens having an inner surface and an outer surface, which is attached to the main body so as to cover the light source, wherein the inner surface of the lens includes a front portion facing the light source at a distance in the first direction, a proximal inner surface located further away from the front portion as seen from the light source, and a distal inner surface located further away from the proximal inner surface as seen from the light source, wherein the proximal inner surface has a plurality of proximal protrusions arranged from the side closer to the light source toward the side further away, and the distal inner surface has a plurality of distal protrusions arranged from the side closer to the light source toward the side further away, and when a reference line is defined extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the distance in the first direction between the tip of each of the plurality of proximal protrusions and the reference line increases as the distance from the light source toward the second direction increases, and the distance in the first direction between the tip of each of the plurality of distal protrusions and the reference line decreases as the distance from the light source toward the second direction decreases.

[0007] In the above configuration, the proximal inner surface may have a proximal valley between two adjacent proximal protrusions, and the distal inner surface may have a distal valley between two adjacent distal protrusions, and the distance in the first direction between the multiple proximal valleys and the reference line may increase as the distance from the light source in the second direction increases, and the distance in the first direction between the multiple distal valleys and the reference line may decrease as the distance from the light source in the second direction decreases.

[0008] In the above configuration, the height of the plurality of distal protrusions in the first direction may be configured to be higher than the height of the plurality of proximal protrusions in the first direction.

[0009] In the above configuration, the outer surface has a main surface portion and a concave portion that is recessed toward the side closer to the light source from the main surface portion, and the concave portion may be provided on the opposite side of the front portion of the inner surface in the first direction.

[0010] In the above configuration, the main body has another light source that emits light along the first direction, the light source and the other light source are arranged side by side with an interval between them in the second direction, and if a reference plane perpendicular to the second direction is defined between the light source and the other light source, the inner surface may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the reference plane.

[0011] A bicycle light according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a main body having a light source that emits light along a first direction, and a lens having an inner surface and an outer surface, which is attached to the main body so as to cover the light source, wherein the inner surface of the lens includes a front portion that faces the light source at a distance in the first direction, a proximal inner surface located further away from the front portion when viewed from the light source, and a distal inner surface located further away from the proximal inner surface when viewed from the light source, the proximal inner surface has a plurality of proximal protrusions arranged from the side closer to the light source to the side further away, and the outer surface has a main surface portion and a concave portion having a shape that is recessed from the main surface portion toward the side closer to the light source, the concave portion is provided on the opposite side of the front portion of the inner surface in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the above configuration, a bicycle light can be obtained that is designed so that light from the light source easily exits from the edges of the lens. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1 attached to the seat post 2 of a bicycle. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a front view (plan view) of the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the front configuration of the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing a configuration on the back side of a lens 20 provided in a bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged area surrounded by line VII shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged area surrounded by line X shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of FIG. 10. [Figure 13] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the function and effect of the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1, showing a light guide path (part 1) in the lens 20. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the function and effect of the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1, showing a light guide path (part 2) in the lens 20. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view for explaining the function and effect of the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1, showing a light guide path (part 3) in the lens 20. [Figure 16] It is a reference photo for explaining the function and effect of the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of a lens 20 provided in a bicycle light in Embodiment 2. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of a lens 20 provided in a bicycle light in Embodiment 3. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of a lens 20 provided in a bicycle light in Embodiment 4. [Figure 20]Figure 20(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light of Embodiment 5, and shows the cross-sectional shape along the line XX(A)-XX(A) in Figure 20(B). Figure 20(B) is a front view (plan view) showing the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light of Embodiment 5. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view showing the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light according to Embodiment 6. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view showing the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light according to Embodiment 7. [Figure 23] This is a cross-sectional view showing the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light according to Embodiment 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention are described below. In the embodiments described below, when numbers, quantities, etc. are mentioned, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to those numbers, quantities, etc., unless otherwise specified. Each component is not necessarily essential to the present invention unless otherwise specified. The same reference numeral is used for identical parts and equivalent parts, and redundant descriptions may not be repeated.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] (Bicycle light 1) The bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the bicycle light 1 attached to the seat post 2 of a bicycle. Figures 2 and 3 are a side view and a front view (plan view) of the bicycle light 1, respectively. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the bicycle light 1 comprises a main body 10 and a lens 20.

[0016] (Main body 10) The main body 10 has a base 18 (Figures 1 and 2). The base 18 of the main body 10 is fitted into a recess 3B of the mounting bracket 3 (Figure 1), and the main body 10 is attached to the seat post 2 of a bicycle via the mounting bracket 3. The main body 10 includes light sources 11A and 11B (see Figure 6), electronic equipment (such as the circuit board 11C shown in Figure 6), and a battery. The light sources 11A and 11B are composed of LEDs, for example, and emit light toward the front of the bicycle light 1.

[0017] Here, the light sources 11A and 11B emit light along the first direction A1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. In other words, the light sources 11A and 11B are mounted on the substrate 11C (Figure 6) with their optical axes aligned so that the light from them is emitted toward the front of the bicycle light 1.

[0018] (Lens 20) Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the front side of lens 20. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the back side of lens 20. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 3.

[0019] The lens 20 has a cap-like shape (see Figure 5) and is attached to the main body 10 so as to cover the light sources 11A and 11B. The lens 20 is formed to extend long in a second direction A2 that is perpendicular to the first direction A1. The second direction A2 is parallel to the direction in which the light sources 11A and 11B (Figure 6) are aligned.

[0020] The lens 20 has an inner surface 30 and an outer surface 40. The inner surface 30 of the lens 20 is a surface that is not exposed to the outside when the lens 20 is attached to the main body 10. The outer surface 40 of the lens 20 is a surface that is exposed to the outside in the same state.

[0021] (Outer surface 40) The outer surface 40 of the lens 20 (see Figure 1) includes an outer edge portion 41, a main surface portion 42, a concave portion 43, short side surfaces 47A, 47B, and long side surfaces 48A, 48B. The outer edge portion 41, the main surface portion 42, and the concave portion 43 constitute the front side of the lens 20, while the short side surfaces 47A, 47B and long side surfaces 48A, 48B constitute the peripheral wall portion of the lens 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an operating section 25A is provided on the short side surface 47A, and an operating section 25B is provided on the short side surface 47B.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the outer edge portion 41 has an annular shape extending on the front side of the lens 20, and the main surface portion 42 and the concave portion 43 are provided inside the outer edge portion 41. The outer edge portion 41 and the main surface portion 42 have a flat surface shape and are formed to extend along the second direction A2. The main surface portion 42 is provided closer to the main body portion 10 (light sources 11A, 11B) than the outer edge portion 41, and a step is formed between the outer edge portion 41 and the main surface portion 42.

[0023] (Concave portion 43) The concave portion 43 is located closer to the main body portion 10 (light sources 11A, 11B) than the main surface portion 42, and a step is formed between the main surface portion 42 and the concave portion 43. Here, two concave portions 43 are formed on the inside of the outer edge portion 41. The concave portion 43 may have a shape that is recessed from the main surface portion 42 in a U-shape, a roughly U-shape, a V-shape, or a roughly V-shape. One concave portion 43 is provided between a pair of main surface portions 42, and another concave portion 43 is provided between another pair of main surface portions 42. The two concave portions 43 are arranged side by side in the second direction A2.

[0024] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the area enclosed by line VII in Figure 6. As will be described in detail later, the inner surface 30 of the lens 20 includes a front portion 30A. The front portion 30A faces the light source 11A with a gap in the first direction A1. The concave portion 43 provided on the outer surface 40 is located on the opposite side of the front portion 30A of the inner surface 30 in the first direction A1.

[0025] The concave portion 43 is the part of the outer surface 40 located between points Q1 and Q2 (Figure 7), and the main surface portion 42 is the part of the outer surface 40 located between points Q2 and Q3. Here, the concave portion 43 is provided with inclined surfaces 43a, 43b, a flat surface 43c, inclined surfaces 43d, 43f, and protrusions T1 to T4, and these parts are arranged to form a roughly U-shape.

[0026] More specifically, a projection T1 is provided in the concave portion 43 at a position closer to the main surface portion 42 (in other words, at the left side of the concave portion 43 in Figure 7). An inclined surface 43a is provided between projections T1 and T2, and an inclined surface 43b is provided between projection T2 and the flat surface 43c.

[0027] An inclined surface 43f is provided on the opposite side of the concave portion 43 from the projection T1 (in other words, on the right side of the concave portion 43 in Figure 7). A projection T4 is provided between the inclined surfaces 43f and 43e, and a projection T3 is provided between the inclined surfaces 43e and 43d. The inclined surface 43d is located between the projection T3 and the flat surface 43c.

[0028] The inclined surfaces 43a, 43b, the flat surface 43c, the inclined surfaces 43d, 43f, and the protrusions T1 to T4 all have a shape that extends in a third direction A3 that is perpendicular to the first direction A1 and the second direction A2 (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0029] (inner surface 30) The inner surface 30 of the lens 20 includes a front surface 30A, a proximal inner surface 30C, and a distal inner surface 30B. As shown in Figure 5, the inner surface 30 further includes a proximal inner surface 30E and a distal inner surface 30D (Figure 10). The proximal inner surface 30E and the distal inner surface 30D will be described later with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In the following description, the front surface 30A, the proximal inner surface 30C, and the distal inner surface 30B will be described in detail first.

[0030] (Front surface 30A, proximal inner surface 30C, distal inner surface 30B) As shown in Figure 7, the front portion 30A of the inner surface 30 is the part located between points P1 and P2 on the inner surface 30, and faces the light source 11A with a gap in the first direction A1. Light from the light source 11A mainly enters the lens 20 through the front portion 30A. The front portion 30A is located on the opposite side of the concave portion 43 of the outer surface 40 in the first direction A1.

[0031] The proximal inner surface 30C is located further away from the light source 11A than the front surface 30A. The proximal inner surface 30C is the portion of the inner surface 30 located between points P3 and P4. A protrusion 38 is provided between the front surface 30A and the proximal inner surface 30C on the inner surface 30. The proximal inner surface 30C has a plurality of proximal protrusions 33C arranged from the side closer to the light source 11A to the side further away. All of the plurality of proximal protrusions 33C have a shape that extends in the third direction A3 (see Figure 5).

[0032] The distal inner surface 30B is located further away from the light source 11A than the proximal inner surface 30C. The distal inner surface 30B is the portion of the inner surface 30 located between points P4 and P5. The distal inner surface 30B has a plurality of distal protrusions 33B arranged from the side closer to the light source 11A to the side further away. All of the plurality of distal protrusions 33B have a shape that extends in the third direction A3 (see Figure 5).

[0033] (Distance from baseline SL1 to the tip) Here, if a reference line SL1 is defined that extends in a second direction A2 perpendicular to the first direction A1, then distances D2a, D2b, and D2c in the first direction A1 are defined between each of the tip portions 34C of the multiple proximal protrusions 33C and the reference line SL1. Distances D2a, D2b, and D2c increase as the distance from the light source 11A in the second direction A2 increases (i.e., distance D2a < distance D2b < distance D2c).

[0034] On the other hand, the distances D1a, D1b, and D1c between the tip 34B of each of the multiple distal protrusions 33B and the reference line SL1 in the first direction A1 decrease as you move away from the light source 11A in the second direction A2 (i.e., distance D1a > distance D1b > distance D1c).

[0035] (Distance from baseline SL1 to the bottom of the valley) Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 7. Figure 8 shows the same view as Figure 7 (an enlarged view of lens 20), except for the reference numerals. As shown in Figure 8, the proximal inner surface 30C of the inner surface 30 has a proximal valley 35C between two adjacent proximal convex portions 33C of a plurality. Distances d2a, d2b, and d2c are defined between the plurality of proximal valleys 35C and the reference line SL1 in the first direction A1. Distances d2a, d2b, and d2c increase as the distance from the light source 11A in the second direction A2 increases (i.e., distance d2a < distance d2b < distance d2c).

[0036] On the other hand, the distal inner surface 30B of the inner surface 30 has distal valleys 35B between two adjacent distal protrusions 33B of a plurality. Distances d1a, d1b, and d1c are defined between the plurality of distal valleys 35B and the reference line SL1 in the first direction A1. Distances d1a, d1b, and d1c decrease as the distance from the light source 11A in the second direction A2 increases (i.e., distance d1a > distance d1b > distance d1c).

[0037] (Height of the protrusion) Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 7. In the lens 20 of the bicycle light 1, the height H2 of the multiple distal protrusions 33B in the first direction A1 is higher than the height H1 of the multiple proximal protrusions 33C in the first direction A1.

[0038] The height H2 of the distal convex portion 33B in the first direction A1 is obtained, for example, by focusing on the inclined surface of the distal convex portion 33B that is closer to the light source 11A (see Figure 7, etc.) (it may also be based on the inclined surface that is further away from the light source 11A), and is the distance in the first direction A1 between the tip portion 34B of the distal convex portion 33B and the distal valley bottom portion 35B of the distal convex portion 33B.

[0039] The height H1 of the proximal convex portion 33C in the first direction A1 is obtained, for example, by focusing on the inclined surface of the proximal convex portion 33C that is closer to the light source 11A (see Figure 7, etc.) (it may also be based on the inclined surface that is further away from the light source 11A), and is the distance in the first direction A1 between the tip portion 34C of the proximal convex portion 33C and the proximal valley bottom portion 35C of the proximal convex portion 33C.

[0040] (Proximal inner surface 30E, distal inner surface 30D) Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the region enclosed by the X-rays in Figure 6. As shown in Figures 5 and 10, the proximal inner surface 30E is located on the opposite side of the proximal inner surface 30C from the front surface 30A. The proximal inner surface 30E is located further away from the light source 11A than the front surface 30A.

[0041] The proximal inner surface 30E is the portion of the inner surface 30 located between points P1 and P6 (Figure 10). The proximal inner surface 30E has a plurality of proximal protrusions 33E arranged from the side closer to the light source 11A to the side further away. All of the plurality of proximal protrusions 33E have a shape that extends in the third direction A3 (see Figure 5).

[0042] The distal inner surface 30D is located further away from the light source 11A than the proximal inner surface 30E. The distal inner surface 30D is the portion of the inner surface 30 located between points P6 and P7 (Figure 10). The distal inner surface 30D has multiple distal protrusions 33D arranged from the side closer to the light source 11A to the side further away. All of the multiple distal protrusions 33D have a shape that extends in the third direction A3 (see Figure 5).

[0043] (Distance from baseline SL2 to the tip) Here, if a reference line SL2 is defined that extends in the second direction A2, which is perpendicular to the first direction A1, then distances D4a, D4b, and D4c in the first direction A1 are defined between each of the tip portions 34E of the multiple proximal protrusions 33E and the reference line SL2. Distances D4a, D4b, and D4c increase as the distance from the light source 11A (see Figure 6, etc.) in the second direction A2 (more precisely, in the negative direction of the second direction A2) increases (i.e., distance D4a < distance D4b < distance D4c).

[0044] On the other hand, the distances D3, D3, ... between the tip 34D of each of the multiple distal protrusions 33D and the reference line SL2 in the first direction A1 are defined multiple times as the distance from the light source 11A in the second direction A2 increases, but all of them are approximately the same value.

[0045] (Distance from baseline SL2 to the bottom of the valley) Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 10. Figure 11 shows the same thing as Figure 10 except for the reference numerals (a magnified view of the lens 20). As shown in Figure 11, the proximal inner surface 30E of the inner surface 30 has a proximal valley 35E between two adjacent proximal convex portions 33E of a plurality. Distances d4a, d4b, and d4c are defined between the plurality of proximal valleys 35E and the reference line SL2 in the first direction A1. Distances d4a, d4b, and d4c increase as you move away from the light source 11A in the second direction A2 (more precisely, in the negative direction of the second direction A2) (i.e., distance d4a < distance d4b < distance d4c).

[0046] On the other hand, the distal inner surface 30D of the inner surface 30 has distal valleys 35D between two adjacent distal protrusions 33D. A distance d3 in the first direction A1 is defined between the multiple distal valleys 35D and the reference line SL2. Multiple distances d3 are defined as the distance moves away from the light source 11A in the second direction A2, but all of them are approximately the same value.

[0047] (Height of the protrusion) Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 10. In the lens 20 of the bicycle light 1, the height H3 of the multiple distal protrusions 33D in the first direction A1 is higher than the height H4 of the multiple proximal protrusions 33E in the first direction A1.

[0048] The height H3 of the distal convex portion 33D in the first direction A1 is obtained, for example, by focusing on the inclined surface of the distal convex portion 33D that is farther from the light source 11A (see Figure 6, etc.) (it may also be based on the inclined surface that is closer to the light source 11A), and is the distance in the first direction A1 between the tip portion 34D of the distal convex portion 33D and the distal valley bottom portion 35D of the distal convex portion 33D.

[0049] The height H4 of the proximal convex portion 33E in the first direction A1 is obtained, for example, by focusing on the inclined surface of the proximal convex portion 33E that is farther from the light source 11A (see Figure 6, etc.) (it may also be based on the inclined surface that is closer to the light source 11A), and is the distance in the first direction A1 between the tip portion 34E of the proximal convex portion 33E and the proximal valley bottom portion 35E of the proximal convex portion 33E.

[0050] Referring to Figure 6, the main body 10, as described above, has another light source 11B that emits light along the first direction A1, in addition to the light source 11A. The light source 11A and the other light source 11B are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the second direction A2. If a reference plane CL perpendicular to the second direction A2 is defined between the light source 11A and the light source 11B, the inner surface 30 has a shape symmetrical with respect to the reference plane CL. In other words, the configuration of the inner surface 30 and outer surface 40 on the light source 11A side as seen from the reference plane CL can be equivalent to the configuration of the inner surface 30 and outer surface 40 on the light source 11B side as seen from the reference plane CL.

[0051] (Mechanism of Action and Effect 1) Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation and effect of the bicycle light 1, showing the light guide path (part 1) within the lens 20. Light from the light source 11A travels through the lens 20, for example, as shown by arrows AR1, AR2, and AR3.

[0052] As shown by arrow AR1, some of the light from the light source 11A enters the lens 20 from the front portion 30A. The light is reflected by the inclined surface 43b of the concave portion 43, further reflected by the proximal convex portion 33C, and then extracted to the outside from the main surface portion 42.

[0053] As shown by arrow AR2, some of the light from the light source 11A enters the lens 20 from the front portion 30A. The light is reflected by the inclined surface 43a of the concave portion 43, further reflected by the distal convex portion 33B, and then extracted to the outside from the main surface portion 42.

[0054] As shown by arrow AR3, some of the light from the light source 11A enters the lens 20 from the front portion 30A. The light is reflected by the inclined surface 43b of the concave portion 43, further reflected by the main surface portion 42, further reflected by the distal convex portion 33B, and then extracted to the outside from the main surface portion 42.

[0055] In the bicycle light 1, as described above, the distances D2a, D2b, and D2c in the first direction A1 between each tip 34C of the multiple proximal protrusions 33C and the reference line SL1 increase as you move away from the light source 11A in the second direction A2, and the distances D1a, D1b, and D1c in the first direction A1 between each tip 34B of the multiple distal protrusions 33B and the reference line SL1 decrease as you move away from the light source 11A in the second direction A2 (see Figure 7).

[0056] Therefore, as light is reflected inside the lens 20 and propagates as described above, the light is more likely to be reflected and propagate towards the edge of the lens 20 in the second direction A2. Thus, with the bicycle light 1 equipped with the lens 20, it is possible to configure it so that light from the light source 11A is more likely to be emitted from the edge of the lens 20.

[0057] (Mechanism of Action and Effects 2) Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the effect of the bicycle light 1, showing the light guide path (part 2) within the lens 20. Light from the light source 11A travels through the lens 20, for example, as shown by arrows AR4, AR5, AR6, and AR7.

[0058] As shown by arrow AR4, some of the light from the light source 11A enters the lens 20 from the front part 30A. The light is reflected by the inclined surface 43d of the concave part 43, further reflected by the proximal inner surface 30E (Figures 5 and 10), and extracted to the outside through the projection T4 of the concave part 43. In this case, due to the presence of the projection T4, the light is not reflected but refracted and extracted to the outside.

[0059] As shown by arrow AR5, some of the light from the light source 11A enters the lens 20 from the front part 30A. The light is then extracted to the outside through the projection T3 of the concave part 43. In this case, the presence of the projection T3 causes the light to be refracted and extracted to the outside rather than reflected.

[0060] As shown by arrow AR6, some of the light from the light source 11A enters the lens 20 from the front part 30A. The light is then extracted to the outside through the projection T2 of the concave part 43. In this case, the presence of the projection T2 causes the light to be refracted and extracted to the outside rather than reflected.

[0061] As shown by arrow AR7, some of the light from the light source 11A enters the lens 20 from the front part 30A. The light is reflected by the proximal inner surface 30C and extracted to the outside through projection T1. In this case, due to the presence of projection T1, the light is not reflected but refracted and extracted to the outside.

[0062] (Mechanism of Action and Effects 3) Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the effect of the bicycle light 1, showing the light guide path (part 3) within the lens 20. Light from light source 11B, which is provided alongside light source 11A, can also travel through the lens 20, for example, as shown by arrow AR8.

[0063] As shown by arrow AR8, some of the light from the light source 11B enters the lens 20 from the front surface 30A facing the light source 11B. The light is reflected by the inclined surface 43e on the side of the light source 11B, further reflected by the main surface 42 on the side of the light source 11B, further reflected by the distal inner surface 30D (distal convex portion 33D) on the side of the light source 11A, and then extracted to the outside from the main surface 42 on the side of the light source 11A.

[0064] As light is reflected inside the lens 20 and propagates as described in the above actions and effects 1-3, the light is more likely to be reflected and propagate towards the edge of the lens 20 in the second direction A2. Therefore, with the bicycle light 1 equipped with the lens 20, it is possible to configure it so that light from light sources 11A and 11B is more likely to be emitted from the edge of the lens 20.

[0065] Figure 16 is a reference photograph illustrating the operation and effect of the bicycle light 1 in Embodiment 1. The area where light is taken out of the lens 20 is shown in white. As shown in Figure 16, it can be seen that the bicycle light 1 equipped with the lens 20 can be configured so that light from light sources 11A and 11B is easily emitted from the end of the lens 20 in the second direction A2.

[0066] [Embodiment 2] Figure 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light of Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 17, Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the front portion 30A of the inner surface 30 of the lens 20. In Embodiment 2, a projection 39 having a Fresnel lens shape is formed on the front portion 30A of the inner surface 30.

[0067] Embodiment 2 may further differ from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the concave portion 43 on the outer surface 40 of the lens 20. As shown in Figure 17, in Embodiment 2, the flat surface 43c (see Figure 7, etc.) in Embodiment 1 is not provided, and the inclined surface 43b and the inclined surface 43d are connected in a substantially V-shape.

[0068] The lens 20 of Embodiment 2, having the configuration described above, can also provide substantially the same operation and effect as Embodiment 1 (i.e., a bicycle light with a configuration that allows light from the light source to easily exit from the edges of the lens).

[0069] [Embodiment 3] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light of Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 18, Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the concave portion 43 on the outer surface 40 of the lens 20. In Embodiment 3, the concave portion 43 is provided with inclined surfaces 43b, 43d and a flat surface 43c, and the protrusions T1 to T4 in Embodiment 1 are not provided here.

[0070] The lens 20 of Embodiment 3, having the configuration described above, can also provide substantially the same operation and effect as Embodiment 1 described above (i.e., a bicycle light with a configuration that allows light from the light source to easily exit from the edges of the lens).

[0071] [Embodiment 4] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light of Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 19, Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the distal inner surface 30B of the inner surface 30 of the lens 20. In Embodiment 4, the distal convex portion 33B of Embodiment 1 is not provided on the distal inner surface 30B, and the distal inner surface 30B has a flat surface shape.

[0072] The lens 20 of Embodiment 4, having the configuration described above, can also provide substantially the same function and effect as Embodiment 1 (i.e., a bicycle light with a configuration that allows light from the light source to easily exit from the edges of the lens). Furthermore, an even greater effect can be obtained by making the flat portion of the distal inner surface 30B a textured surface (a finely uneven surface).

[0073] [Embodiment 5] Figure 20(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light of Embodiment 5, and shows the cross-sectional shape along the line XX(A)-XX(A) in Figure 20(B). Figure 20(B) is a front view (plan view) showing the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light of Embodiment 5.

[0074] As shown in Figures 20(A) and 20(B), Embodiment 5 differs from Embodiment 1 in the overall configuration of the lens 20. In Embodiment 1, the lens 20 is formed to extend long in the second direction A2, which is perpendicular to the first direction A1. On the other hand, in Embodiment 5, the lens 20 has a circular shape in the front view (plan view). As can be seen from Figures 6 and 20(A), the cross-sectional shape can be the same in Embodiments 1 and 5. The lens 20 of Embodiment 5 may have a so-called rotationally symmetric shape.

[0075] The lens 20 of Embodiment 5, having the configuration described above, can also provide substantially the same operation and effect as Embodiment 1 described above (i.e., a bicycle light with a configuration that allows light from the light source to easily exit from the edges of the lens).

[0076] [Embodiment 6] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a lens 20 provided in a bicycle light according to Embodiment 6. As shown in Figure 21, Embodiment 6 differs from Embodiment 1 in that a single light source 11A is used, and the inner surface 30 of the lens 20 does not have the distal inner surface 30D and proximal inner surface 30E as in Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 6, the inner surface 30 includes a front portion 30A, a proximal inner surface 30C, and a distal inner surface 30B.

[0077] The lens 20 of Embodiment 6, having the configuration described above, can also provide substantially the same operation and effect as Embodiment 1 described above (i.e., a bicycle light with a configuration that allows light from the light source to easily exit from the edges of the lens).

[0078] [Embodiment 7] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the lens 20 provided in the bicycle light of Embodiment 7. As shown in Figure 22, Embodiment 7 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the outer surface 40 does not have a concave portion 43. The outer surface 40 of Embodiment 7 is composed of a gently curved surface, corresponding to the main surface portion 42 in Embodiment 1. In other words, the concave portion 43 is not an essential component in Embodiments 1 to 6 described above.

[0079] The lens 20 of Embodiment 7, having the configuration described above, can also provide substantially the same operation and effect as Embodiment 1 described above (i.e., a bicycle light with a configuration that allows light from the light source to easily exit from the edges of the lens).

[0080] [Embodiment 8] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a lens 20 provided in a bicycle light according to Embodiment 8. As shown in Figure 23, Embodiment 8 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the inner surface 30 does not have a distal inner surface 30B. The lens 20 in Embodiment 8 also differs from Embodiment 1 in that it does not have a distal inner surface 30D and a proximal inner surface 30E. In other words, in Embodiments 1 to 7 described above, the distal inner surface 30B is not an essential component. The distal inner surface 30D and proximal inner surface 30E are also not essential components.

[0081] The lens 20 of Embodiment 8, having the configuration described above, can also provide substantially the same operation and effect as Embodiment 1 described above (i.e., a bicycle light with a configuration that allows light from the light source to easily exit from the edges of the lens).

[0082] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1 Bicycle light, 2 Seat post, 3 Mounting bracket, 3B Recess, 10 Main body, 11A, 11B Light source, 11C Substrate, 18 Base, 20 Lens, 25A, 25B Operating part, 30 Inner surface, 30A Front part, 30B, 30D Distal inner surface, 30C, 30E Proximal inner surface, 33B, 33D Distal convex part, 33C, 33E Proximal convex part, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E Tip part, 35B, 35D Distal valley bottom, 35C, 35E Proximal valley bottom, 38 Protruding part, 39, T1, T2, T3, T4 Projection, 40 Outer surface, 41 Outer edge, 42 Main surface part, 43 Concave shape part, 43a, 43b, 43d, 43e, 43f Inclined surface, 43c Flat surface, 47A, 47B Short side, 48A, 48B Long side, A1 First direction, A2 Second direction, A3 Third direction, AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5, AR6, AR7, AR8 Arrow, CL Reference plane, D1a, D1b, D1c, D2a, D2b, D2c, D3, D4a, D4b, D4c, d1a, d1b, d1c, d2a, d2b, d2c, d3, d4a, d4b, d4c Distance, H1, H2, H3, H4 Height, SL1, SL2 Reference line.

Claims

1. A main body having a light source that emits light along a first direction, A lens having an inner surface and an outer surface, which is attached to the main body so as to cover the light source, The inner surface of the lens is The front portion facing the light source with a gap in the first direction, A proximal inner surface located further away from the light source than the front surface, Including a distal inner surface located further away from the light source than the proximal inner surface, The proximal inner surface has a plurality of proximal protrusions arranged from the side closer to the light source toward the side further away, The distal inner surface has a plurality of distal protrusions arranged from the side closer to the light source toward the side further away, If a reference line is defined that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The distance in the first direction between the tip of each of the multiple proximal protrusions and the reference line increases as you move away from the light source in the second direction. The distance in the first direction between the tip of each of the plurality of distal protrusions and the reference line decreases as the distance from the light source in the second direction increases. Bicycle light.

2. The aforementioned proximal inner surface has a proximal valley between two adjacent proximal protrusions among a plurality of them, The distal inner surface has a distal valley between two adjacent distal protrusions among a plurality of them, The distance in the first direction between the multiple proximal valley bottoms and the reference line increases as you move away from the light source in the second direction. The distance in the first direction between the multiple distal valley bottoms and the reference line decreases as you move away from the light source in the second direction. The bicycle light according to claim 1.

3. The height of the plurality of distal protrusions in the first direction is The height of the multiple proximal protrusions in the first direction is higher than the height of the proximal protrusions in the first direction. A bicycle light according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The outer surface has a main surface portion and a concave portion that is recessed toward the side closer to the light source from the main surface portion. The concave portion is provided in the first direction at a position opposite to the front portion of the inner surface. A bicycle light according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The main body has another light source that emits light along the first direction, The aforementioned light source and the other light source are arranged side by side with an interval between them in the second direction. If a reference plane perpendicular to the second direction is defined between the aforementioned light source and the other light source, The inner surface has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the reference plane. A bicycle light according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A main body having a light source that emits light along a first direction, A lens having an inner surface and an outer surface, which is attached to the main body so as to cover the light source, The inner surface of the lens is The front portion facing the light source with a gap in the first direction, A proximal inner surface located further away from the light source than the front surface, Including a distal inner surface located further away from the light source than the proximal inner surface, The proximal inner surface has a plurality of proximal protrusions arranged from the side closer to the light source toward the side further away, The outer surface has a main surface portion and a concave portion that is recessed toward the side closer to the light source from the main surface portion. The concave portion is provided in the first direction at a position opposite to the front portion of the inner surface. Bicycle light.

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