Bicycle lighting devices and bicycles equipped with bicycle lighting devices.

Abstract

The present invention provides a bicycle lighting device that makes the bicycle more visible to those around it by making its presence more noticeable, and a bicycle equipped with the bicycle lighting device. [Solution] A bicycle lighting device 1 comprising a first light source 10 that irradiates light in a first direction and a second light source 20 that irradiates light in a second direction different from the first direction, wherein the angle θ1 formed by the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 is 105 degrees or more and 165 degrees or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a bicycle and a bicycle equipped with the lighting device for a bicycle.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a lighting device that irradiates light forward is attached to a bicycle. Also, for the purpose of enhancing the visibility of a bicycle at night and the like, lighting devices that irradiate light not only forward but also downward, laterally, and rearward are known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a headlight that has a control circuit, is rectangular in shape, and has multiple LEDs arranged to enhance visibility from the surroundings, and is equipped with LEDs that illuminate not only in the forward and side directions but also to the rear, with the aim of improving the visibility of the bicycle from the surroundings when it is riding at night and when it is stopped. The headlight can be attached to the shopping basket on the front of the bicycle, its mounting bracket, the central part of the bicycle body, the handlebars, etc. Patent Document 2 discloses a novel bicycle light that can make the presence of the bicycle visible to the surroundings from any direction when riding at night, and is characterized by having a housing that is attached to the bicycle frame, and comprising a first lighting unit that illuminates the direction in which the bicycle is traveling and a second lighting unit that illuminates the ground in a spot shape. Patent Document 3 discloses a bicycle lighting unit capable of improving safety when turning left or right or while riding around curves in dark places, comprising a left-facing lamp for illuminating the left front, a right-facing lamp for illuminating the right front, a rotation detection unit for detecting rotation around a predetermined axis, and a lamp drive unit for controlling the lighting state of the left-facing lamp and the right-facing lamp based on the detection signal from the rotation detection unit. Patent Document 4 discloses a bicycle headlight capable of improving visibility from the side, comprising a light-emitting element and a reflector that reflects the light of the light-emitting element forward within a case, wherein the case has a light-transmitting part at the front, a downward reflecting member is provided inside the case that reflects a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element downward, and the downward reflected light reflected by the downward reflecting member is irradiated downward from inside the case. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-222219 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3205109 Gazette [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-062260 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-061811 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, conventional bicycle lighting devices such as those described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 above sometimes fail to sufficiently improve the visibility of bicycles depending on the surrounding environment and conditions, leaving room for improvement.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a bicycle lighting device that can make the presence of a bicycle more visible to those around it and improve the visibility of the bicycle from the surrounding area, and a bicycle equipped with the bicycle lighting device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The bicycle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows: [1] A first light source that irradiates light in a first direction, The system includes a second light source that irradiates light in a second direction which is different from the first direction, A bicycle lighting device in which the angle between the optical axis of the first light source and the optical axis of the second light source is between 105 degrees and 165 degrees. [2] It has a cylindrical body that has a longitudinal direction and is equipped with a front end and a rear end, The first light source is located at the front end, The second light source is located at the rear end of the bicycle lighting device described in [1]. [3] A bicycle lighting device according to [1] or [2], having a fixing part for fixing to a bicycle. [4] The first light source and the second light source have switches connected to them, A first state in which the first light source and the second light source are lit, A second state in which the first light source is lit and the second light source is not lit, A third state in which the first light source is not lit and the second light source is lit, The system has a fourth state in which the first light source and the second light source are not lit, A bicycle lighting device according to any one of [1] to [3], which switches in the order of the first state, second state, third state, and fourth state by inputting the switch.

[0008] Furthermore, the bicycle according to the embodiment of the present invention is preferably as follows. A bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device as described in any of [5][1] to [4], The second direction refers to a bicycle facing to the left with respect to the direction of travel. A bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device as described in any of [6][1] to [4], The second direction refers to a bicycle facing to the right with respect to the direction of travel. A bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device as described in any of [7][1] to [4], The first direction is a bicycle whose direction of travel coincides with the direction of travel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The bicycle lighting device of the present invention has a first light source that emits light in a first direction and a second light source that emits light in a second direction, and the angle between the optical axis of the first light source and the optical axis of the second light source is 105 degrees or more and 165 degrees or less. As a result, the first light source emits light forward, while the second light source emits light backward and diagonally, illuminating guardrails, street trees, buildings, walls, etc. near the bicycle, thereby improving the visibility of the bicycle from the surroundings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This shows a perspective view of a bicycle lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This shows a plan view of the bicycle lighting device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]It represents a right side view of the bicycle lighting device shown in FIG. 1.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described. However, the present invention is not limited to the following specific examples, and it is also possible to appropriately modify and implement within the range that can conform to the gist of the foregoing and following descriptions, and all of them are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] The bicycle lighting device of the present invention has a first light source that irradiates light in a first direction and a second light source that irradiates light in a second direction different from the first direction, and the angle formed by the optical axis of the first light source and the optical axis of the second light source is 105 degrees or more and 165 degrees or less.

[0013] The bicycle lighting device 1 of the present invention can be attached to a bicycle and is a device that can irradiate light. The bicycle to which the bicycle lighting device 1 is attached may be a two-wheeled vehicle driven by human power, or may be an electric two-wheeled vehicle driven by an electric motor or assisted in driving. Further, the bicycle lighting device 1 may be attached to a vehicle other than a two-wheeled vehicle such as a wheelchair, a kick scooter, or a tricycle.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the bicycle lighting device 1 has a first light source 10 that irradiates light in a first direction and a second light source 20 that irradiates light in a second direction different from the first direction. That is, the bicycle lighting device 1 can irradiate light in at least two directions, namely, the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] Examples of the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 include light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, etc. The first light source 10 and the second light source 20 may be of the same type or of different types. In particular, it is preferable that the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 are LEDs. By using LEDs for the first light source 10 and the second light source 20, it is possible to make the light emitted by the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 highly bright, energy-saving, and long-lasting.

[0016] The first direction is preferably forward. That is, it is preferable that the first light source 10 is capable of emitting light forward. By having the first direction be forward, the first light source 10 can emit light forward to illuminate the direction in which the bicycle is traveling, allowing for safe cycling.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the angle θ1 between the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 is between 105 degrees and 165 degrees. Angle θ1 refers to the angle between the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 in a plane containing the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20. Because the angle θ1 between the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 is between 105 degrees and 165 degrees, the first light source 10 can illuminate forward while the second light source 20 illuminates backward and diagonally. Therefore, the second light source 20 can illuminate guardrails, walls, etc. near the bicycle, improving the visibility of the bicycle from the surroundings.

[0018] The angle θ1 formed by the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 is preferably 107 degrees or more, more preferably 110 degrees or more, even more preferably 112 degrees or more, and even more preferably 115 degrees or more. By setting the lower limit of the angle θ1 formed by the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 to the above range, it becomes easier for the second light source 20 to illuminate a wide area behind the bicycle, and the visibility of the bicycle when viewed from the rear or side becomes easier to improve. Furthermore, the angle θ1 formed by the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 is preferably 163 degrees or less, more preferably 160 degrees or less, even more preferably 158 degrees or less, and even more preferably 155 degrees or less. By setting the upper limit of the angle θ1 formed by the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 to the above range, the second light source 20 can more easily illuminate a wide area to the side of the bicycle, thereby improving visibility of the bicycle from the side and in front.

[0019] Although not shown in the diagram, the bicycle lighting device 1 may further have light sources other than the first light source 10 and the second light source 20. The light sources other than the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 may emit light in a first direction, in a second direction, or in a direction different from the first and second directions.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bicycle lighting device 1 preferably has a cylindrical body 30 having a longitudinal direction x and comprising a front end 31 and a rear end 32. The cylindrical body 30 extends in the longitudinal direction. The front end 31 is the portion including the front end of the cylindrical body 30 in the longitudinal direction x, and is preferably a region extending from the front end of the cylindrical body 30 to 1 / 3 of the total length of the cylindrical body 30 in the longitudinal direction x. The rear end 32 is the portion including the rear end of the cylindrical body 30 in the longitudinal direction x, and is preferably a region extending from the rear end of the cylindrical body 30 to 1 / 3 of the total length of the cylindrical body 30 in the longitudinal direction x.

[0021] The cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical body 30 of the bicycle lighting device 1 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x can be circular, elliptical, oval, polygonal, or a combination thereof. Polygons include not only those with clearly defined corner vertices and straight sides, but also rounded polygons with rounded corners and those with at least some curved sides. Among these, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical body 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x is preferably circular. In other words, the cylindrical body 30 is preferably cylindrical. A circular cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical body 30 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x makes it easier to prevent damage to the bicycle or the bicycle lighting device 1 from being scratched by contact between the cylindrical body 30 and the bicycle when the bicycle lighting device 1 is attached to the bicycle.

[0022] Examples of materials that make up the cylindrical body 30 include resins such as ABS resin, polycarbonate resin, polyethylene resin, polyamide resin, and polyacetal resin, as well as metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The cylindrical body 30 may also be protected by being coated with a resin such as silicone resin or EVA resin.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, it is preferable that the first light source 10 is located at the front end 31 and the second light source 20 is located at the rear end 32. By having the first light source 10 at the front end 31 and the second light source 20 at the rear end 32, the first light source 10 can adequately illuminate the area in front of the bicycle, which is the direction of travel, and the second light source 20 can adequately illuminate the area behind the bicycle, thereby improving the visibility of the bicycle and making it easier to ride safely.

[0024] Although not shown in the diagram, the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 may be arranged parallel to each other at the front end 31. By arranging the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 side by side at the front end 31 of the cylindrical body 30, the length of the cylindrical body 30 in the longitudinal direction x can be shortened, making it easier to create a bicycle lighting device 1 that is less prone to displacement due to vibrations while riding a bicycle.

[0025] Although not shown in the figures, it is preferable that the bicycle lighting device 1 has a fixing part for attaching it to a bicycle. The fixing part is preferably a part for attaching and fixing the bicycle lighting device 1 to the handlebars, frame, etc. of the bicycle. Having a fixing part makes it easier to attach the bicycle lighting device 1 to the bicycle.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, it is preferable that the bicycle lighting device 1 has a switch 40 connected to the first light source 10 and the second light source 20. The switch 40 may be configured so that one switch is connected to both the first light source 10 and the second light source 20, or it may be configured so that there is a first switch connected to the first light source 10 and a second switch connected to the second light source 20. It is preferable that the switch 40 is electrically connected to the first light source 10 and the second light source 20. By having a switch 40 connected to the first light source 10 and the second light source 20, the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 can be easily turned on and off, making the bicycle lighting device 1 easy to use.

[0027] Examples of the types of switches 40 include push-button type, toggle type, rocker type, slide type, and remote control type. Among these, the switch 40 is preferably a push-button type. The push-button type of switch 40 makes it easy to operate the switch 40 and also makes it possible to miniaturize the bicycle lighting device 1.

[0028] The bicycle lighting device 1 has a first state in which the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 are lit, a second state in which the first light source 10 is lit and the second light source 20 is not lit, a third state in which the first light source 10 is not lit and the second light source 20 is lit, and a fourth state in which neither the first light source 10 nor the second light source 20 are lit, and it is preferable that the device switches between the first state, the second state, the third state, and the fourth state in that order by inputting a switch 40. Specifically, for example, if the switch 40 is a push button type, it is preferable that pressing the switch 40 once results in the first state, pressing the switch 40 twice results in the second state, pressing the switch 40 three times results in the third state, and pressing the switch 40 four times results in the fourth state. By switching the switch 40 in the order of first state, second state, third state, and fourth state, the lighting state of the first light source 10 and the second light source 20 can be easily switched on or off using the switch 40, making the bicycle lighting device 1 adaptable to various situations.

[0029] It is preferable that when the bicycle lighting device 1 is in the fourth state, the switch 40 is pressed again to return to the first state. In other words, it is preferable that by pressing the switch 40, the device enters the first state, second state, third state, and fourth state, and then returns to the first state again. By returning the bicycle lighting device 1 to the first state by pressing the switch 40 again when it is in the fourth state, each state is switched each time the switch 40 is pressed, making it easier to switch between the on / off states of the first light source 10 and the second light source 20.

[0030] The bicycle lighting device 1 preferably has a battery electrically connected to the first light source 10 and the second light source 20. The battery in the bicycle lighting device 1 is preferably a rechargeable battery. Because the battery in the bicycle lighting device 1 is a rechargeable battery, it is possible to repeatedly emit light by charging, thereby extending the lifespan of the bicycle lighting device 1.

[0031] If the bicycle lighting device 1 has a secondary battery, it is preferable that the bicycle lighting device 1 has an outlet 50 (outlet) for inserting a charging plug, as shown in Figure 2. The outlet 50 is preferably provided in the cylindrical body 30. The outlet 50 may be arranged alongside the switch 40 in the longitudinal direction x, or, as shown in Figure 2, it may be arranged on the opposite side of the switch 40 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 30.

[0032] The bicycle of the present invention is a bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device 1. That is, it refers to a bicycle in which the bicycle lighting device 1 is attached to the handlebars, frame, etc.

[0033] In a bicycle equipped with the bicycle lighting device 1, it is preferable that the second direction is directed to the left of the bicycle's direction of travel. When the second direction is directed to the left of the bicycle's direction of travel, this means that, in a top view of the bicycle lighting device 1 installed on the bicycle, the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 is directed to the left of the bicycle's direction of travel. In other words, in a bicycle equipped with the bicycle lighting device 1, it is preferable that the second light source 20 of the bicycle lighting device 1 emits light toward the left of the bicycle's direction of travel. Because the second direction is directed to the left of the bicycle's direction of travel, when cycling in countries with left-hand traffic such as Japan and the United Kingdom, the light emitted from the second light source 20 is more likely to hit guardrails, street trees, buildings, walls, etc., near the bicycle. As a result, the visibility of the bicycle from the surroundings is increased, improving safety.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, in a bicycle equipped with the bicycle lighting device 1, it is also preferable that the second direction is directed to the right of the bicycle's direction of travel. When the second direction is directed to the right of the bicycle's direction of travel, it means that in a top view of the bicycle lighting device 1 installed on the bicycle, the optical axis A2 of the second light source 20 is directed to the right with respect to the bicycle's direction of travel. In other words, in a bicycle equipped with the bicycle lighting device 1, it is preferable that the second light source 20 of the bicycle lighting device 1 emits light toward the right of the bicycle's direction of travel. When the second direction is directed to the right of the bicycle's direction of travel, in countries such as the United States and China where traffic is on the right, the light emitted from the second light source 20 is more likely to hit guardrails, street trees, buildings, walls, etc. near the bicycle while the bicycle is riding, making it easier to increase the visibility of the bicycle from the surroundings and thus improving safety.

[0035] In a bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device 1, it is preferable that the first direction coincides with the direction of travel of the bicycle. The first direction coinciding with the direction of travel of the bicycle means that, in a top view of the bicycle lighting device 1 installed on the bicycle, the angle between the direction of travel of the bicycle and the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 is 20 degrees or less. In other words, in a bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device 1, it is preferable that the first light source 10 of the bicycle lighting device 1 emits light in the direction of travel of the bicycle. By having the first direction coincide with the direction of travel of the bicycle, the first light source 10 can sufficiently illuminate the area in front of the bicycle, which is the direction of travel. As a result, it becomes easier to ride the bicycle safely.

[0036] In a top view of the bicycle lighting device 1 installed on a bicycle, the angle between the direction of travel of the bicycle and the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 is preferably 20 degrees or less, more preferably 15 degrees or less, even more preferably 10 degrees or less, and even more preferably 5 degrees or less. Furthermore, in a top view of the bicycle lighting device 1 installed on a bicycle, it is most preferable that the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 is parallel to the direction of travel of the bicycle. By configuring the relationship between the optical axis A1 of the first light source 10 and the direction of travel of the bicycle in a top view of the bicycle lighting device 1 installed on a bicycle as described above, the direction of travel of the bicycle can be illuminated more brightly by the first light source 10. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0037] 1: Bicycle lighting device 10: 1st light source 20:Second light source 30: Cylindrical body 31: Front end 32: Rear end 40: Switch 50: Outlet A1: Optical axis of the first light source A2: Optical axis of the second light source θ1: Angle formed by the optical axis of the first light source and the optical axis of the second light source. x: Longest direction

Claims

1. A first light source that irradiates light in a first direction, The system includes a second light source that irradiates light in a second direction which is different from the first direction, A bicycle lighting device in which the angle between the optical axis of the first light source and the optical axis of the second light source is 105 degrees or more and 165 degrees or less.

2. It has a cylindrical body that has a longitudinal direction and is equipped with a front end and a rear end, The first light source is located at the front end, The bicycle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the second light source is located at the rear end.

3. The bicycle lighting device according to claim 1, having a fixing part for fixing to a bicycle.

4. The light source has a switch connected to the first light source and the second light source, A first state in which the first light source and the second light source are lit, A second state in which the first light source is lit and the second light source is not lit, A third state in which the first light source is not lit and the second light source is lit, The system has a fourth state in which the first light source and the second light source are not lit, The bicycle lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first state, second state, third state, and fourth state are switched in that order by inputting the switch.

5. A bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The second direction refers to a bicycle facing to the left with respect to the direction of travel.

6. A bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The second direction refers to a bicycle facing to the right with respect to the direction of travel.

7. A bicycle equipped with a bicycle lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first direction is a bicycle whose direction of travel coincides with the direction of travel.

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