Bicycle light and bicycle

Abstract

To provide a bicycle light capable of suppressing rattling of a light body while a bicycle is running, to achieve a stable mounted state on the bicycle.SOLUTION: A bicycle light comprises: a light body including a light source and a main body case that accommodates the light source; and a bracket detachably attached to the main body case. The bracket has an engagement part that engages with a lower portion of the main body case, and a side guard that extends above the engagement part to cover a side surface of the main body case. The bicycle light is fixed to a light stay integrated with a bicycle fork, for example, via the bracket. In this case, the bracket has an attachment fixture that is fixed to the light stay.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bicycle light and a bicycle equipped with the light, and more particularly, to a bicycle light having a bracket detachably attached to a light body.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a bicycle light including a light body containing a light source and a battery, and a bracket detachably attached to the light body has been widely known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a bicycle light is directly attached to a handlebar, a front fork, etc. of a bicycle via a bracket. Also, in a bicycle having a light stay integrated with a fork, a light may be attached to this light stay. A bicycle light equipped with a bracket is generally configured such that only the light body can be easily removed while the bracket is fixed to the bicycle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a bicycle light having a bracket detachably attached to a light body, suppressing rattling of the light body during running of the bicycle is an important issue. In particular, when attaching a light near a wheel such as a fork or a light stay, it is strongly desired to suppress lateral rattling. Also, since being able to smoothly attach the light body to a bracket fixed to a bicycle is one of the important performances, it is necessary to suppress rattling of the light body without impairing such attachability and realize a stable attachment state to the bicycle.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a bicycle light that can suppress rattling of a light body during bicycle travel and can achieve a stable mounting state on the bicycle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A bicycle light according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a light body including a light source and a main body case that houses the light source, and a bracket that is detachably attached to the main body case. The bracket has an engaging portion that engages with the lower portion of the main body case, and a side guard that extends upward from the engaging portion and covers the side surface of the main body case.

[0007] A bicycle according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the above bicycle light. The bicycle light according to an aspect of the present disclosure is fixed to a light stay integrated with a fork of the bicycle via a bracket.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the bicycle light according to the present disclosure, rattling of the light body during bicycle travel can be suppressed, and a stable mounting state on the bicycle can be achieved. Further, according to the bicycle light according to the present disclosure, the light body can be smoothly attached to the bracket.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the bicycle light according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Selectively combining a plurality of the embodiments and modified examples described below is assumed from the beginning.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electric assist bicycle 1 equipped with a light 20 which is an example of an embodiment. Note that the bicycle according to the present disclosure is not limited to an electric assist bicycle, and may be a bicycle without an electric assist function. The bicycle according to the present disclosure is not limited to a city cycle as exemplified in FIG. 1, and may be, for example, a sports cycle, a folding bicycle, etc.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric assist bicycle 1 includes a battery 9 and a motor unit 10 that is driven by electric power supplied from the battery 9. Further, like a general bicycle, the electric assist bicycle 1 includes a frame 2, a front wheel 3a, a rear wheel 3b, a handlebar 4, a saddle 5, a crank arm 6, pedals 7, and a chain 8. The electric assist bicycle 1 is a bicycle that assists the force with which a user pedals the pedals 7 by a motor built into the motor unit 10. The electric assist bicycle 1 further includes a front basket 11, a basket stay 12 that supports the front basket 11, and a light stay 13 integrated with the front fork 2b.

[0013] The frame 2 is a framework that connects the front wheel 3a, the rear wheel 3b, the handlebar 4, the saddle 5, etc., and is configured by welding a plurality of pipes. In the present embodiment, as the plurality of pipes, a head pipe 2a, a front fork 2b, a down pipe 2c, a seat pipe 2d, a chain stay 2e, a seat stay 2f, and a bottom bracket (not shown) are provided. The bottom bracket is a pipe that connects the down pipe 2c, the seat pipe 2d, and the chain stay 2e. The battery 10 is detachably attached to a battery installation portion provided on the frame 2. A locking device for fixing the battery 10 may be provided on the seat pipe 2d.

[0014] The electric assist bicycle 1 is provided with a light 20 fixed to the light stay 13. The light 20 is fixed to the light stay 13 via a bracket 50. The light stay 13 is a plate-like support portion extending forward from the front fork 2b of the bicycle and is welded to the front fork 2b. The light stay 13 is formed with, for example, a long hole for passing a bolt 82 (see FIG. 2 described later) of the bracket 50. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light 20 is fixed to the light stay 13 such that the front end of the light 20 is positioned in front of the bicycle relative to the basket stay 12. The basket stay 12 extends from the lower part of the front basket 11 to the axis of the front wheel 3a, but a part of the basket stay 12 is curved and bulges to the side opposite to the front wheel 3a in order to avoid interference with the light 20.

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9, the light 20 for a bicycle will be described in detail. FIGS. 2 to 6 are views showing the entirety of the light 20 including the light body 30 and the bracket 50. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, terms indicating directions such as up and down, left and right, front and rear, etc. are used for the light 20. Specifically, the directions along the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the bicycle in a state where the light 20 is fixed to the electric assist bicycle 1 are defined as the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the light 20, respectively.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the light 20 includes a light body 30 including a light source 35A and a main body case 31 that houses the light source 35A, and a bracket 50 that is detachably attached to the main body case 31. A button 38 is provided on the upper surface of the main body case 31 of the light body 30. The button 38 is an operation unit for turning on and off the light source 35A. A cover 32 is attached to the front end of the main body case 31. The bracket 50 has an engaging portion that engages with the lower portion of the main body case 31. Due to the function of this engaging portion, the bracket 50 is detachable from the main body case 31. In the present embodiment, an engaging member 60 and a locking member 70 are provided as the engaging portion. In this specification, "detachable" means that it can be easily attached and detached without using a tool such as a driver.

[0017] The light 20 is configured such that only the light body 30 can be easily removed with the bracket 50 fixed to the light stay 13. Further, the light body 30 can be easily attached to the bracket 50 fixed to the light stay 13. An attachment fitting 80 is provided on the bracket 50. The light 20 is attached to the electric assist bicycle 1 by fixing the attachment fitting 80 to the light stay 13 using bolts 82 and nuts 83.

[0018] Although details will be described later, the bracket 50 has a side guard 54 that extends above the engaging portion and covers the side surface of the main body case 31. A recess 31G into which the side guard 54 fits is formed on the side surface of the main body case 31. The side guard 54 suppresses rattling of the light body 30 during the running of the electric assist bicycle 1 and realizes a stable mounting state with respect to the bicycle. Further, the side guard 54 functions as a guide when attaching the light body 30 to the bracket 50 and realizes good attachability of the light body 30.

[0019] The light 20 may be configured to be attachable to the main body case 31 with a plurality of types of brackets. In this embodiment, instead of the bracket 50, it is possible to attach a bracket 100 shown in FIG. 11 described later to the main body case 31. An engagement groove 31A (see FIG. 6) into which the brackets 50 and 100 can be inserted from the rear is formed at the lower part of the main body case 31. When the brackets 50 and 100 are fixed to a bicycle, the light body 30 is slid from the front to the rear of the brackets 50 and 100, and the engagement portions of the brackets 50 and 100 are fitted into the engagement groove 31A, whereby the light body 30 is attached to the brackets 50 and 100.

[0020] The light 20 has a structure in which the lower part of the main body case 31 is supported by a bracket 50 at the longitudinal center of the light body 30 that extends long in the front-rear direction. The bracket 50 includes a bracket main body 51 including a base portion 52, a fitting fixing portion 53, and a side guard 54. An engagement member 60 that engages with the main body case 31 is fixed to the upper part of the base portion 52. The length of the light body 30 in the front-rear direction is longer than the length of the bracket main body 51 in the front-rear direction. The front end of the light body 30 is located in front of the light 20 with respect to the front end of the bracket main body 51, and the rear end of the light body 30 is located behind the light 20 with respect to the rear end of the bracket main body 51.

[0021] The mounting bracket 80 is an elongated plate-shaped bracket, and the upper end portion of the bracket is fixed to the fitting fixing portion 53 of the bracket main body 51. The fitting fixing portion 53 is formed on the side portion of the bracket main body 51 and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that the lower end portion is located behind the light 20 with respect to the upper end portion. The mounting bracket 80 extends downward along the inclination direction of the fitting fixing portion 53, and the lower end portion is located behind the light 20 with respect to the upper end portion. A bolt 82 used for fixing to the light stay 13 is provided at the lower end portion of the mounting bracket 80.

[0022] [Light body 30] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the light body 30 includes a bottomed cylindrical main body case 31 with one end open, and a cover 32 attached to the main body case 31. The main body case 31 is arranged with the opening facing forward of the light 20, and the cover 32 is arranged to cover the opening of the main body case 31. The cover 32 is a bottomed cylindrical body with one end open, similar to the main body case 31. The diameter of the cover 32 is smaller than that of the main body case 31, and the cover 32 is inserted into the cylinder of the main body case 31. The cover 32 is composed of a light-transmitting member that transmits the light of the light source 35A housed inside the main body case 31. The cover 32 may be, for example, a colorless transparent resin member and may have a lens function.

[0023] The main body case 31 is preferably made of an opaque resin member, hiding the internal structure of the light body 30. The main body case 31 has, for example, a substantially square tube shape on the rear end side and a substantially cylindrical shape on the front end side. The opening of the main body case 31 is circular, and the cover 32 covering the opening is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. On both side surfaces of the main body case 31, recesses 31G extending forward from the rear end are respectively formed. The recess 31G is a depression into which the side guard 54 of the bracket 50 fits, and the lower part of the side surface of the main body case 31 is recessed inward of the case.

[0024] The light body 30 further includes a reflector 33, a battery holder 34, and a main board 35 on which a light source 35A is mounted. The reflector 33 is a member that is arranged in front of the main board 35 inside the main body case 31 and reflects the light of the light source 35A to guide it forward of the light 20. The reflector 33 is a cylindrical member with the diameter of the inner peripheral surface increasing forward, and the inner peripheral surface is a reflecting surface with a high light reflectance. The battery holder 34 is a member for accommodating a battery (not shown). The battery holder 34 is arranged behind the main board 35 inside the main body case 31.

[0025] The main board 35 is disposed between the reflector 33 and the battery holder 34 with the surface on which the light source 35A is mounted facing forward of the light 20. The main board 35 is electrically connected to the battery holder 34 and communicably connected to a switch board 37 and an illuminance sensor 40, which will be described later. The lighting state of the light source 35A on the main board 35 is controlled based on signals from the switch board 37 and the illuminance sensor 40. The main board 35 is further equipped with an indicator light source 35B. The indicator light source 35B is a light source for illuminating a button 38, which will be described later and also serves as an indicator, and is mounted on the rear surface of the main board 35. It is preferable to use LEDs for the light source 35A and the indicator light source 35B.

[0026] The light body 30 further includes a switch 36, a switch board 37, and a button 38 for operating the switch 36. The switch 36 is, for example, a push-type switch device and is turned on / off by pressing the button 38 disposed directly above it. The operation signal of the switch 36 is transmitted to the main board 35 via the switch board 37. Based on the operation signal of the switch 36, the light source 35A on the main board 35 lights up and goes out, and if there are multiple lighting modes, the lighting mode is changed. The button 38 is provided in an opening 31C formed in the main body case 31 and is configured to be movable downward by a pressing operation. The button 38 is, for example, a rubber member that elastically deforms by a pressing operation.

[0027] In this embodiment, as described above, the button 38 also serves as an indicator. The indicator is, for example, for notifying battery replacement. The indicator light source 35B is configured to light up when the battery voltage drops below a predetermined threshold value and illuminate the button 38. Therefore, it is preferable to use a translucent member for the button 38 that transmits the light of the indicator light source 35B. An example of the button 38 is a translucent rubber member. The indicator light source 35B lights up at the timing when the light source 35A stops lighting due to the battery capacity being exhausted when the light source 35A has been continuously used for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes).

[0028] A light guide member 39 is provided between the light source 35B for the indicator and the button 38. Since a switch 36 is disposed directly below the button 38 and the light source 35B for the indicator is mounted on the rear surface of the main board 35 away from the button 38, the light guide member 39 is provided to efficiently guide light from the light source 35B for the indicator to the button 38. The light guide member 39 includes, for example, an annular portion that surrounds the switch 36 and is disposed below the button 38, and a plate-like portion that extends from the annular portion to a position close to the light source 35B for the indicator. In this case, the light incident on the plate-like portion can propagate to the annular portion to efficiently illuminate the button 38.

[0029] The light body 30 has an illuminance sensor 40 that detects the ambient brightness. The light source 35A is configured to turn on, for example, when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 40 falls below a predetermined threshold value, that is, when the surroundings become dark. In the present embodiment, the illuminance sensor 40 is disposed between the battery holder 34 and the main board 35, and an opening 31D serving as a light passage to the illuminance sensor 40 is formed in the main body case 31. A shielding member for blocking light from the light source 35A and the light source 35 for the indicator is provided around the illuminance sensor 40. The opening 31D is preferably formed on the lower surface of the main body case 31 so as not to be affected by light from vehicle lights, street lights, etc.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the light 20 showing a state in which the bracket 50 is removed from the light body 30. As shown in FIG. 6, an engagement groove 31A with which the bracket 50 engages is formed in the lower portion of the main body case 31. In the present embodiment, the engagement groove 31A is formed by a pair of convex strip portions 31F having a substantially L-shaped cross section. The pair of convex strip portions 31F extend in the front-rear direction like rails and are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the main body case 31. A gap into which the bracket 50 can be inserted exists between the convex strip portion 31F and the lower surface of the main body case 31, and this gap serves as the engagement groove 31A. The rear end of the engagement groove 31A is open, and the bracket 50 can be inserted into the engagement groove 31A from the rear of the main body case 31.

[0031] A pair of convex strip portions 31A forming the engaging groove 31A are formed with engaging concave portions 31B into which the locking member 70 of the bracket 50 engages. Further, a holder locking member 41 is provided on the lower surface of the main body case 31. An opening 31E is formed in the lower surface of the main body case 31, and the holder locking member 41 protrudes downward from the opening 31E in a state where the bracket 50 is removed. Then, when the bracket 50 is inserted into the engaging groove 31A, the holder locking member 41 is pushed by the bracket 50 and moves upward to be hooked on the battery holder 34, and the battery holder 34 is locked.

[0032] [Bracket 50] Figs. 7 and 8 are exploded perspective views of the bracket 50. As shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the bracket 50 includes a bracket main body 51 including a side guard 54 and the like, an engaging member 60 inserted into the engaging groove 31A of the main body case 31, a locking member 70 fitted into the engaging concave portion 31B of the main body case 31, and a mounting bracket 80 used for fixing the light stay 13. The engaging member 60 and the mounting bracket 80 are screwed to the bracket main body 51. The locking member 70 is disposed between the bracket main body 51 and the engaging member 60 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction. The bracket main body 51, the engaging member 60, and the locking member 70 are, for example, resin members integrally formed respectively.

[0033] The bracket main body 51 has a base portion 52 formed in a cup shape including a bottom portion and side walls. The base portion 52 is a portion to which the engaging member 60 and the mounting bracket 80 are connected. The engaging member 60 is screwed to the upper portion of the base portion 52, and the mounting bracket 80 is screwed to a bracket fixing portion 53 formed on the side portion of the base portion 52. A through hole 56A through which a screw 65 for fixing the engaging member 60 passes is formed in the bottom portion of the base portion 52. Further, a through hole 56B into which a support pin 62 of the engaging member 60 is inserted and a through hole 56C for attaching a locking screw 76 for restricting the movement of the locking member 70 are formed in the bottom portion of the base portion 52.

[0034] Inside the base portion 52, a plurality of reinforcing plates 57 are formed. The reinforcing plates 57 are formed, for example, to connect the side walls of the base portion 52 to each other. The lower part of the main body case 31 may be in contact with the reinforcing plate 57, and the reinforcing plate 57 may function as a support portion of the main body case 31. Further, it is preferable that at least one drain hole 55 is formed in the bottom portion of the base portion 52. Since the base portion 52 is formed in a cup shape with an open upper end, it is assumed that rainwater or the like accumulates inside. By forming the drain hole 55, it becomes possible to easily discharge the infiltrated water.

[0035] Two drain holes 55 are formed so as to sandwich the through hole 56A from the front and rear. Since an annular raised portion higher than the inner bottom surface of the base portion 52 is formed at the peripheral edge portion of the through hole 56A, by forming two drain holes 55 in front of and behind the through hole 56A, more effective drainage performance can be ensured without the water being blocked by the raised portion or the reinforcing plate 57. The drain hole 55 is preferably formed small within a range that does not hinder drainage so that dust, insects, etc. do not enter. The drain hole 55 has, for example, ribs formed in a lattice shape. The ribs reinforce the bottom portion of the base portion 52 and divide the drain hole 55 into a plurality of small hole regions to prevent the entry of dust, insects, etc.

[0036] As described above, a fitting fixing portion 53 to which the mounting fitting 80 is fixed is formed on the side portion of the bracket main body 51. The fitting fixing portion 53 is formed to bulge forward of the bracket 50 rather than the base portion 52 at the left front end portion of the base portion 52. The fitting fixing portion 53 has a shape into which one end portion of the mounting fitting 80 fits. In the portion of the fitting fixing portion 53 where the mounting fitting 80 is installed, a through hole 53A through which a screw 84 for fixing the mounting fitting 80 passes and a pin 53B to be inserted into the mounting fitting 80 are formed. Further, a nut insertion groove 58 (see FIG. 8) for arranging a nut 85 (see FIG. 6) is formed on the back side of the through hole 53A in the fitting fixing portion 53. The nut insertion groove 58 is a groove for inserting the downwardly open nut 85 and is formed from the lower end of the fitting fixing portion 53 to the back side of the through hole 53A.

[0037] At one end of the mounting fitting 80, two through holes 81A and 81B are formed. A screw 84 is inserted into the through hole 81A, and a pin 53B of the fitting fixing portion 53 is inserted into the through hole 81B. Further, at the other end of the mounting fitting 80, a through hole 81C into which a bolt 82 is inserted is formed. The mounting fitting 80 is bent at the central portion in the longitudinal direction such that one end portion (upper end portion) is located on the right side of the other end portion (lower end portion). Generally, since the light stay 13 is provided on the right side of the bicycle, in this case, the bracket main body 51 can be separated from the front wheel 3a, and it becomes easy to attach the light main body 30 to the bracket 50 fixed to the light stay 13.

[0038] On the bracket main body 51, a pair of side guards 54 extending upward from the upper end of the side wall of the base portion 52 are formed. The side guards 54 may be formed on one of the left and right sides of the bracket main body 51, but are preferably formed in pairs on both the left and right sides. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pair of side guards 54 are formed so as to widely cover the lower part of the side surface of the main body case 31 and contact both the left and right side surfaces. The pair of side guards 54 suppress the rattling of the light main body 30 during the running of the electric assist bicycle 1 and function as a guide when attaching the light main body 30 to the bracket 50. On the other hand, the side guard 54 does not have a function of connecting the main body case 31 to the bracket 50 like an engaging portion. Details of the side guard 54 will be described later.

[0039] The engaging member 60 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and has a plate portion 64 whose both end portions in the width direction are inserted into the engaging groove 31A of the main body case 31. Further, the engaging member 60 has a boss portion 61 and a support pin 62 formed substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the plate portion 64. A screw 65 and a nut 66 used for fixing to the bracket main body 51 are attached to the boss portion 61. The support pin 62 is inserted into the through hole 56B of the bracket main body 51 through the long hole 71 of the lock member 70. Further, a stopper 63 that abuts against the front end of the claw 73 of the lock member 70 is formed on the lower surface of the plate portion 64.

[0040] The locking member 70 locks the engaged state (connection state) between the light body 30 and the bracket 50 so that the light body 30 does not fall out of the bracket 50. The locking member 70 is formed in a plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction and has a long hole 71 that is a through hole extending long in the front-rear direction. The locking member 70 is stably supported in a state where it can slide in the front-rear direction between the engaging member 60 and the bracket main body 51 by a support pin 62 inserted into the long hole 71. In the present embodiment, in addition to the support pin 62, a locking screw 76 is inserted into the long hole 71. For this reason, the long hole 71 is formed to extend further rearward from the range into which the support pin 62 is inserted.

[0041] A curved arm 72 extending in the left-right direction is formed at the front end portion of the locking member 70, and claws 73 that fit into the engaging concave portions 31B of the main body case 31 are respectively formed at both left and right end portions of the curved arm 72. The curved arm 72 is curved such that both left and right end portions are positioned in front of the longitudinal center portion, and the longitudinal center portion is supported by a support shaft 74. An operation portion 75 that is pressed by the user is formed at the rear end portion of the locking member 70. The operation portion 75 has a substantially flat surface that spreads in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0042] Here, with reference to FIG. 9, the connection structure between the main body case 31 and the bracket 50 will be described. FIG. 9 shows the engaging member 60 engaged with the lower portion of the main body case 31 and the locking member 70 pulled out. As shown in FIG. 9, the plate portion 64 of the engaging member 60 is inserted into the engaging groove 31A of the main body case 31, so that the main body case 31 and the bracket 50 are in an engaged state. Then, the claws 73 of the locking member 70 are fitted into the engaging concave portions 31B formed in the ridge portion 31F. When the claws 73 are fitted into the engaging concave portions 31B, the bracket 50 cannot move rearward, and the engaged state between the light body 30 and the bracket 50 is locked. At this time, the front end of the claw 73 is in contact with the stopper 63 of the engaging member 60.

[0043] When unlocking the engagement state between the main body case 31 and the bracket 50 to remove the light main body 30 from the bracket 50, with the operation portion 75 pressed and the locking member 70 pushed forward, slide the light main body 30 forward with respect to the bracket 50. Since the front end of the claw 73 is in contact with the stopper 63, when the locking member 70 is pushed forward, the curvature of the curved arm 72 becomes gentler or straightens, and the claw 73 disengages from the engagement recess 31B to release the lock. By sliding the light main body 30 forward in this state, the light main body 30 can be removed from the bracket 50.

[0044] The bracket 50 is configured to be able to attach a locking screw 76. The locking screw 76 is attached to the locking member 70 and has a function of restricting the movement of the locking member 70, prohibiting the unlocking of the engaged state by the pressing operation of the locking member 70. That is, the locking screw 76 prevents the locking member 70 from being pushed forward and keeps the claw 73 from disengaging from the engagement recess 31B. By attaching the locking screw 76 to the bracket 50, it becomes impossible to remove the light main body 30 from the bracket 50 without using a tool such as a driver, so theft of the light main body 30 can be suppressed.

[0045] The locking screw 76 is inserted into a through hole 56C formed in the base portion 52 of the bracket main body 51 from below, and is fixed to the base portion 52 by attaching a nut 77 to the shaft portion extending upward. The shaft portion of the locking screw 76 has a length that reaches the locking member 70. The long hole 71 of the locking member 70 extends to a position overlapping the through hole 56C in the vertical direction. Therefore, the shaft portion of the locking screw 76 is inserted into the long hole 71. The long hole 71 is formed such that the shaft portion of the locking screw 76 abuts against the rear edge of the hole. In this case, even if the operation portion 75 is pressed, the rear edge of the long hole 71 hits the shaft portion of the locking screw 76, so the locking member 70 cannot be pushed forward.

[0046] In this embodiment, the length of the long hole 71 in the left-right direction is shorter in the range where the lock screw 76 is inserted than in the range where the support pin 62 is inserted. Further, the through hole 56B into which the support pin 62 is inserted and the through hole 56C into which the lock screw 76 is inserted are arranged side by side and closely disposed in the front-rear direction of the base portion 52. Note that a fitting portion is formed at the upper portion of the through hole 56C, into which a nut 77 is fitted to restrict its rotation. Therefore, the lock screw 76 can be removed by rotating the lock screw 76 from below the through hole 56C using a tool such as a driver.

[0047] As described above, the pair of side guards 54 are formed on the bracket main body 51, extend above the engaging member 60 and the locking member 70 which are engaging portions with the main body case 31, and cover the lower sides of the left and right sides of the main body case 31 (see FIGS. 2, 5, 7, etc.). A recess 31G is formed in the lower side surface of the main body case 31 from the rear end of the main body case 31, and the side guard 54 is formed to fit into the recess 31G. The surface of the recess 31G is gently inclined such that the upper portion is located outside the main body case 31 more than the lower portion.

[0048] The side guard 54 is gently inclined such that the upper portion is located outside the bracket 50 more than the lower portion in accordance with the shape of the recess 31G, and is formed along the surface of the recess 31G. The pair of side guards 54 are formed such that the distance between them widens from the lower end toward the upper end and widens outside the bracket main body 51 toward the upper end. The side guard 54 may be gently curved so as to warp outward.

[0049] The side guards 54 preferably substantially abut against the side surface (the surface of the recess 31G) of the main body case 31. Here, "substantially abut" means a state where the side guards 54 are in contact with the side surface of the main body case 31 and a state where it is recognized that they are in contact with almost no gap. In other words, the pair of side guards 54 are arranged so as to sandwich the main body case 31 from both the left and right sides. In this case, the rattling of the light main body 30 during the running of the bicycle can be more effectively suppressed. Note that the pair of side guards 54 may have flexibility, and the main body case 31 may be arranged by pushing and expanding the side guards 54 outward. In this case, the main body case 31 is pressed by the side guards 54 from both the left and right sides.

[0050] The side guards 54 extend in the front-rear direction of the bracket main body 51 and are formed from the front end of the base portion 52 to a predetermined position. The predetermined position is, for example, between the center in the front-rear direction and the rear end of the base portion 52. However, the side guards 54 may be formed over the entire length in the front-rear direction of the base portion 52 or beyond the rear end of the base portion 52 as long as there is no hindrance to the operation of the lock member 70 or the like. The pair of side guards 54 may be different from each other in shape, size, etc., but are preferably formed symmetrically. In this case, the balance between the left and right is improved, and the rattling of the light main body 30 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0051] The side guards 54 are formed such that the height gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side. The height of the side guards 54 is, for example, the lowest at the front end and the highest at the rear end. The pair of side guards 54 function as a guide when attaching the light main body 30 to the bracket 50. By forming the height to gradually increase from the front end to the rear end, the light main body 30 can be attached more smoothly. The upper end portion of the side guard 54 preferably has no step for the light main body 30 to catch on, and is inclined so that the height increases toward the rear end side or is curved so as to be convex upward.

[0052] When attaching the light body 30 to the bracket 50, even if the side guard 54 only comes into contact with the main body case 31, the side guard 54 can function as a guide even if the recess 31G is not formed on the side surface of the main body case 31.

[0053] The upper end portion of the side guard 54 is gently curved so as to protrude upward in the front upper part on the front end side, and is inclined substantially linearly from the curved portion toward the rear end. And the upper end portion of the side guard 54 is arranged along the step formed on the side surface of the main body case 31 by the recess 31G. That is, the side guard 54 is formed so as to fit exactly into the shape of the recess 31G. In this case, the rattling suppression effect of the light body 30 and the guiding effect of the light body 30 are further improved.

[0054] The side guard 54 covers, for example, 5% or more, preferably 5% to 10% of the horizontal projected area of the main body case 31. In this embodiment, about 6.5% of the horizontal projected area of the main body case 31 is covered by the side guard 54. Also, the side guard 54 covers the central portion in the front-rear direction of the side surface of the main body case 31. The side guard 54 extends greatly upward from the upper end of the engaging member 60, and the height from the lower end of the side surface of the main body case 31 to the highest portion is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 20% to 30% of the height (vertical length) of the main body case 31. In this embodiment, the height of the side guard 54 is about 25% of the height of the main body case 31. By providing such a side guard 54, the rattling suppression effect of the light body 30 and the guiding effect of the light body 30 are further improved.

[0055] As described above, according to the light 20 having the above-described configuration, the pair of side guards 54 support the main body case 31 from both the left and right sides, thereby suppressing the rattling of the light main body 30 during the running of the bicycle and realizing a stable mounting state with respect to the bicycle. Further, since the pair of side guards 54 function as guides for the light main body 30, the light main body 30 can be smoothly attached to the bracket 50 fixed to the light stay 13. In addition, by attaching the lock screw 76 to the bracket 50, it is possible to prohibit unlocking by the operation of the lock member 70. Therefore, for example, even if the light main body 30 is left attached to the bicycle during parking, theft of the light main body 30 can be effectively suppressed.

[0056] Note that the above-described embodiment can be appropriately modified in design without impairing the object of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the button 38 is also used as an indicator, but the button 38 and the indicator may be provided separately. Further, the above-described indicator notifies the replacement of the battery, but may have a function of notifying other information such as an abnormality of the illuminance sensor 40 or a notification of mode switching.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a light 21 including a bracket 50X which is another example of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the bracket 50X is different from the above-described bracket 50 in that it has a blocking portion 90 that blocks the incident light to the illuminance sensor 40 (see FIG. 4). A plate-shaped shielding portion 90 extending forward from the base portion of the bracket main body is formed on the bracket 50X. As described above, an opening 31D serving as a passage for light to the illuminance sensor 40 is formed in the main body case 31, and the light that has entered the inside of the main body case 31 through the opening 31D is detected by the illuminance sensor 40. The shielding portion 90 blocks the incident light to the illuminance sensor 40 by covering the entire opening 31D.

[0058] When the illuminance sensor 40 is provided, a mode can be executed in which the light source automatically turns on when the amount of light detected by the illuminance sensor 40 decreases and the surroundings become dark. In addition, for example, sensors (not shown) for detecting vibrations associated with the running of the bicycle are mounted on the lights 20 and 21, and the light source 35A automatically turns on when the surroundings become dark and a predetermined vibration is detected. By providing the shielding portion 90 to block the opening 31D and block the incident light to the illuminance sensor 40, it becomes possible to turn on the light 21 during the running of the bicycle regardless of the ambient brightness. That is, the bracket 50X having the shielding portion 90 is effective when it is desired to turn on the light 21 in a state where the surroundings are not dark.

[0059] The shielding portion 90 is preferably disposed close to the opening 31D so that no gap through which light can enter is formed between the shielding portion 90 and the lower surface of the main body case 31. The shielding portion 90 may be in contact with the peripheral edge of the opening 31D. Further, the shielding portion 90 may be provided so as to be removable from the bracket main body, or may be provided so as to be movable between a position covering the opening 31D and a position not covering the opening 31D. The shielding portion 90 may be supported by the bracket main body in a state where it is slidable in the left-right direction, for example.

[0060] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a light 22 including a light body 30X which is another example of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the light body 30X is different from the above-described light body 30 in that an indicator 42 is provided on the lower surface of the main body case 31X. In the example shown in FIG. 11, a bracket 100 is attached to the lower part of the main body case 31X. Similar to the bracket 50, the bracket 100 includes an engaging member 60 and a locking member 70 that engage with the engaging groove 31A of the main body case 31X. On the other hand, the bracket 100 is a bracket for fixing the handle, and includes a handle fixing portion 101 through which the handle passes and a tightening screw 102 for adjusting the tightening force of the handle fixing portion 101.

[0061] On the upper surface of the main body case 31X, similar to the case of the light main body 30, a button 38 (see FIG. 2 etc.) having the function of an indicator is provided. That is, on the light 22, indicators are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the main body case 31X. The indicator 42 is illuminated by, for example, an indicator light source 35B (see FIG. 4). The indicator 42 may not have the function as a button, and may be configured by attaching a translucent member to the opening of the main body case 31X.

[0062] The light 22 is generally attached to the handle so that the upper surface of the light main body 30X faces upward, but there may be a case where it is attached so that the lower surface of the light main body 30X faces upward. That is, the light 22 may be attached to the handle such that the light main body 30X is located below the handle. According to the light 22, since indicators are provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the main body case 31X, it is possible to check the indicators regardless of the mounting state.

Explanation of Signs

[0063] 1 Electric assist bicycle, 2 Frame, 2a Head pipe, 2b Front fork, 2c Down pipe, 2d Seat pipe, 2e Chain stay, 2f Seat stay, 3a Front wheel, 3b Rear wheel, 4 Handlebar, 5 Saddle, 6 Crank arm, 7 Pedal, 8 Chain, 9 Battery, 10 Motor unit, 11 Front basket, 12 Basket stay, 13 Light stay, 20, 21, 22 Light, 30, 30X Light body, 31 Body case, 31A Engagement groove, 31B Engagement recess, 31C, 31D, 31E Opening, 31F Ridge portion, 31G Recess, 32 Cover, 33 Reflector, 34 Battery holder, 35 Main board, 35A Light source, 35B Indicator light source, 36 Switch, 37 Switch board, 38 Button, 39 Light guide member, 40 Illuminance sensor, 41 Holder lock member, 42 Indicator, 50, 50X, 100 Bracket, 51 Bracket body, 52 Base portion, 53 Metal fitting fixing portion, 53A, 56A, 56B, 56C, 81A, 81B, 81C Through hole, 53B Pin, 54 Side guard, 55 Drain hole, 57 Reinforcing plate, 58 Nut insertion groove, 60 Engagement member, 61 Boss portion, 62 Support pin, 63 Stopper, 64 Plate portion, 65, 84 Screw, 66, 77, 83, 85 Nut, 70 Lock member, 71 Long hole, 72 Curved arm, 73 Claw, 74 Support shaft, 75 Operation portion, 76 Lock screw, 80 Mounting bracket, 82 Bolt, 90 Shielding portion, 101 Handlebar fixing portion, 102 Tightening screw

Claims

1. A light body including a light source, a battery holder for accommodating a battery, and a main body case for accommodating the light source and the battery holder; A bracket detachably attached to the main body case; Comprising: The main body case conceals the internal structure including the battery holder, and recesses extending forward from the rear end of the main body case are formed on both side surfaces of the main body case. The bracket: An engaging portion that engages with the lower part of the main body case; A pair of side guards extending above the engaging portion and covering both side surfaces of the main body case; Having, the pair of side guards are formed such that the height gradually increases from the front end side to the rear end side of the bracket, and are arranged to fit into the recesses and along the surface of the recesses, a bicycle light.

2. An engaging groove into which the bracket can be inserted from the rear is formed in the lower part of the main body case. The engaging portion has an engaging member including a plate portion inserted into the engaging groove, the bicycle light according to claim 1.

3. The pair of side guards support the main body case, the bicycle light according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the pair of side guards covers 5% or more of the horizontal projected area of the main body case, the bicycle light according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An opening and a holder lock portion protruding downward from the opening in a state where the bracket is removed are provided on the lower surface of the main body case. The holder lock portion moves into the opening by being pushed by the bracket when the bracket is attached to the main body case and is hooked on the battery holder to lock the battery holder, the bicycle light according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The bracket: As the engaging portion, it has a lock member movably provided in the front-rear direction and fitting into an engaging recess formed in the lower part of the main body case. Having a lock screw attached to the lock member to restrict the movement of the lock member, the bicycle light according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. At least one drain hole is formed at the bottom of the bracket, the bicycle light according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The light body has an illuminance sensor for detecting the ambient brightness in order to execute a mode in which the light source automatically turns on when the surroundings become dark. An opening serving as a passage for light to the illuminance sensor is formed in the main body case. The bicycle light according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bracket has a blocking portion that covers the opening and blocks incident light to the illuminance sensor. **Claim 9** The light body has an indicator. The bicycle light according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the indicator is provided on the upper surface and the lower surface of the main body case. **Claim 10** The bicycle light is fixed to a light stay integrated with a fork of a bicycle via the bracket. The bicycle light according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bracket has a mounting fitting fixed to the light stay. **Claim 11** A bicycle comprising the bicycle light according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images