JPS60148731A - Safety signal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To increase safety maintained during running, by a method wherein, in a safety signal device mounted to a bicycle, etc., luminous means of at least two systems mounted to a housing are selectively actuated by means of either of two luminous signals being different in frequency. CONSTITUTION:A safety signal device mounted to the front of a bicycle includes a housing 6 and has plural groups of LED 1a and 2a each both sides at the front. Central LED 43a and 44a of each group form a running LED, and a flickering state is maintained during ON-operation of a power switch 7. Reflecting mirrors 151a, 151b and 152 are located at the front and the sides, respectively, of the housing, and a front light 9 and an audible alarmer 11a are located to the central part of the front. Each LED 1a and 2a group is flickered at a given frequency, i.e., 6Hz, by means of a first luminous signal during control of an alarm switch 13, and the selected LED group is flickered by means of a second luminous signal during control of a direction switch 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to signal and lighting devices, and more particularly to signal, light and display functions for bicycles and other off-road or sports equipment. Relating to a safety signal device suitable for wearing.

(Prior Art) Recently, there has been a tremendous demand for recreational bicycles in the market. As a result, many riders who travel longer distances end up using public roads out of necessity or necessity. Bicycles are increasingly being used for commuting, and the distances traveled are increasing, so that bicycles are now often used at dusk.
They may also run even after sunset.

At present, the minimum requirements for safety for a bicycle operator or any off-road vehicle operator are a headlight to warn of the presence of a skewer from the front and to illuminate the front, and a headlight to warn other bicycles or other bicycles from behind. This is a tail light to alert the skewer to the presence of the bicycle. These devices should be lightweight and sturdy to be convenient for the cyclist, while not detracting from the benefits of modern lightweight bicycles.

However, these shapes are not very suitable as safety components. Often, a cyclist may come across other cyclists, pedestrians, or motorists who are unaware of his presence.

In particular, riding a bicycle on a road crowded with automobiles presents an extremely dangerous situation with respect to the ability of other vehicle operators to distinguish the bicycle and the operator. In such situations, it would be beneficial for cyclists to be provided with an additional safety device that increases the visibility of the bicycle and its rider by others.

Furthermore, if a direction indicator is provided that is perceptible to both the eye and the ear, there will be no confusion for an approaching motorist as to whether the cyclist intends to turn or turn left or right.

To date, no battery-powered device has been developed that meets such standards. Such devices tend to be bulky and heavy, and also require the use of a generator while the bicycle is running.

Such devices added considerable weight to modern lightweight bicycles. Although a generator generated by running a bicycle is compact, it requires extra effort from the rider when running the bicycle. Also, because generators are dependent on operation and speed, they are ineffective and inoperable at low speeds, stops, or other hazardous conditions.

After all, cycling at dusk or at 8:00 a.m. is more dangerous than during the day, but pedestrians and other vehicles still create dangerous conditions even during the day, making it truly safe. In order to reach a distance of 1m, the vehicle should have signal and announcement capabilities that can be recognized even during the day.

In the past, various attempts have been made to provide a safe place for bicycles. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,191 (invented by Daniels, May 20, 1980) discloses a lighting system having front and rear mounted lighting devices each incorporating left and right direction indicator lamps.

It also features left and right headlights and taillights, as well as a center panel with multiple switches. While such systems are equipped with visible turn signals to alert other vehicles to the bicycle's presence, during daylight hours: e
FI-) does not serve to announce the presence of a bicycle, nor does it provide a signal that allows the rider to hear the rider's intent to change direction. Additionally, such devices are bulky, utilize separate housings for the battery and logic circuitry, and are not rechargeable due to the large amount of current consumed to illuminate incandescent turn signals. needs a battery.

Other known bicycle safety devices include U.S. Pat.
No. 59@Patent Specification (July 4, 1978, Invented by Winditzch). The device uses a rear-mounted luminous housing with two stop lights that function as both running lights and turn signals. The device is powered by a battery provided within the housing and is operated by a changeover switch connected to the housing. While the device functions to provide visible turn signals, stop lights, and running lights, it does not provide daytime annunciation functionality, nor does it provide an audible signal indicating a cyclist's intention to turn. It's something that doesn't exist.

Furthermore, since it does not have a separate signaling means in front, and is used for incandescent lights for stoplights and direction indicators, the battery that powers this device does not have a long lifespan. This is something that cannot be sustained.

(Object of the invention) From the foregoing, it has been found that a bicycle or other off-road heavy or sports equipment is used day and night, and the electric means equalizes the visibility of the bicycle and its rider or user. It is clear that there is still a need for safety signaling devices that are simple and compact to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a safety signal device for use on a bicycle, which is characterized by a reliable electrical circuit with low power consumption, and which has special utility in alerting other vehicles and pedestrians to the presence of a bicycle. Our goal is to provide the following.

More specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle equipped with a safety signal device having a simple and reliable electric circuit that can be easily and reliably powered for a long period of time by using a battery. , and other off-road heavy duty sports equipment.

More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a safety signal device as described above, which includes a light emitting device +13 as a direction indicator and a notification means also used as an audible direction indicator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reliable and relatively inexpensive safety signal device.

Yet another purpose is to first operate a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as LEDs) at the emission signal frequency utilized to emit a visible I-signal, and then to operate several of these same LEDs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety signal device as described above which is operated at a slower luminescent signal frequency to emit a directional signal.

Still another object is that the audible warning means indicates whether the pilot intends to make a turn! The present invention provides a safety signal device as described above which is used in conjunction with a direction indicator for issuing a warning. Audible alarms also provide an audible alarm, such as a horn.

(Configuration of the Invention) In short, the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention are achieved by the installation of the front and rear housings to which all the components of the present invention are attached. If circumstances permit, Freon 1
~The housing may be used separately from the rear housing. The light emitting means in the form of a group of LEDs and the alarm means, the audible alarm means, the electrical circuit and the battery are all mounted on the front housing. The rear housing is an additional LE
D group and includes additional alarms. The directional switch activates all ED groups on the first flash in its intermediate position. The directional switch in the other two locations, with one of its intermediate positions on the left, causes the right or left LED group to blink for a longer period while the remaining LED groups are disconnected or first blinking. let

The audible alarm is also connected to be activated by the second luminous signal to emit an audible direction signal. Additionally, one or more of the LEDs in each group may be activated continuously to provide a particular indication of the housing to the viewer. Similarly, the driving LED can be mounted on the side rather than in the lateral warning LED group.

(Example) Next, the drawings in which reference numerals are attached to the parts will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 shows how the front housing 6J3 and rear housing 8 according to the present invention are attached to the bicycle 4. The front housing 6 is attached to the handlebar or handlebar stem of the bicycle 4.

Both housings 6.8 are constructed of lightweight waterproof material.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the front housing 6, which includes a left group 2a and a sixth group 1a.
It has a plurality of LEDs arranged respectively in the. Both of these LEDs 1a and 2a function as driving, warning, or visual reporting means, and also as direction indicators, as will be described later.

Among these LED groups, the running LEDs are 44a and 43a, respectively.
It is. Further, the front housing 6 has a reflection 1i'1
It has a lighting fixture 9 having 51a, 151b and 152 on the front and side surfaces, respectively.

A plurality of switches 3.7 and 13, which will be described later, are mounted at appropriate positions such as on the upper part of the front housing 6. The front audible alarm 11a functions as an audible direction indicator or horn device.

Figure 3 shows the rear housing 8 and the left and right LEDs.
It has groups 1b and 2b. These LED group 1b
and 2b are LED group 1 of the front housing 6.
functions and acts similarly to a and 2a. These L
The running LEDs in ED groups 1b and 2b are 43b and 44.
It is b. This rear housing 8 also has multiple reflections for the purpose of night visibility of the bicycle! 1fil 53 and 15
4 are attached to its front and side surfaces, respectively.

The rear audible alarm 11b is the front audible alarm I! ! The irises 1' function as an audible direction indicator and security device similar to the alarm 11a.

FIG. 4 shows the electrical circuit of the invention. LED group 1
and 2 serve as a secondary light source to provide an alarm or turn signal function. In the preferred embodiment, two LED groups 1a and 28 are provided on the front side of the skewer, while two LED groups 1b and 2b are also numbered on the back side.

In the first alarm type, each LED group 1.2 is activated by the first luminous signal at a predetermined frequency of J: (which may be e.g.
Hertz) flashes and emits light. When the turn signal function is selected, the selected LED group flashes at a slower frequency (e.g., 2 Hz) with a second illumination signal. - However, the remaining LED groups opposite to the intended turning direction are disconnected but the running EDs in the opposite group are flashed at 2 Hz by a second illumination signal to provide a warning or visual notification function. Continue to do so. The brightness of the LED itself and its flickering rate are such that even during the daytime, the presence of a vehicle to which it is attached can be easily identified.

The blinking frequency used should produce a pleasant and highly visible effect with low battery consumption. The use of LEDs in incandescent lamp sections results in a strong light emitting device with low battery consumption.

Furthermore, because LEDs are solid-state devices, they can be operated at higher emission frequencies than incandescent lamps and require a fraction of the input response time. The effect of better visibility thus occurs. By operating a constant emission frequency and repetition frequency together, and the number of LEs, D, used, a low power achievement device is obtained. Within these constraints, several LEDs make up LED groups 1 and 2.

The LEDs forming each plurality of LED groups 1 and 2 are connected in parallel to each other. The cathode of the left LED group 1 is connected to one terminal of the C element of the direction switch 3. This direction switch 3 is, for example, 0N-
An ON-ON type 4-circuit double-throw type is sufficient. This direction switch 3 is configured to switch both the front left LED group 1a and the rear left LED group 1'b into a first switch for indicating the left direction.
In the switching position, also the front and rear right LE
D groups 2a and 2b are both the second for the right direction indicator.
It functions to be activated by the second light emission signal at the switching position. The direction switch 3 is actuated to the left from the intermediate position for indicating the left direction, and is actuated from the intermediate position to the right for indicating the right direction. In the intermediate position of this direction switch 3, LED groups 1 and 2
are each continuously flashed at a higher frequency by the first light emission signal as a cautionary warning.

The anodes of all LEDs in the LED group 1.2 are connected to the anode of the power supply 5 via the a element of the power switch 7. The voltage of this power supply 5 may be an anode DC voltage of 6 volts or up to the voltage obtainable by using solid state technology.

The power source 5 is formed by a plurality of batteries, and the battery life is mainly Pd = FC. , , is determined by the power consumed at V .

The cathodes of the LEDs in the LED groups 2a and 2b are connected to one terminal of the d element of the directional switch 3, and the connection is symmetrical to the connection of the cathodes of the LEDs in the LED groups 1a, 1b.

The power switch 7 is, for example, 0 of a 2-circuit double-throw type.
An N-OFF-ON format is used. This power switch 7 is in the OFF state in the intermediate position, and when pushed to the - side, it is in the LE state.
Power is supplied only to the D group 1, 2 and other related electronic circuits, and when it is turned to the other side, power is also supplied to the headlights 9. Such a connection serves to preserve battery life by selecting the headlight 9 only when needed.

This is because the headlight 9 consumes the most power.

The a element of the power switch 7 has its electrodes on both sides connected in common and is connected to the anode of the voltage +115. The anode of this power supply 5 has front and rear audible alarms 11
a and 11b1 are further connected to the stop light circuit 31.

These audible alarms 11a and 11b are preferably of the piezoelectric type and sound a horn when the direction indicating function is selected. These may be ceramic-containing solid-state type buzzers, speakers with oscillators and amplifiers, etc., if desired.

The anode of the power supply 1li5 is further connected to one terminal of the b element of the power switch 7.

The common terminal of the b element of the power switch 7 is grounded via the headlight 9. The headlamp 9 can be an incandescent lamp with a focusing lens, a reflector and a lens cover - it can also be integral with the front housing 6 or it can be attached to the front housing 6 with adhesive washers. The common terminal of the b element of the power switch 7 is connected to supply power to the LED group 1.2 and other related electronic circuits.

The alarm switch 13 is used to selectively activate both the audible alarms 11a and 11b that emit a horn when necessary, and is in parallel with the open side of the C element and the d element of the direction switch 3, and is connected to a transistor. 25
and the audible alarms 11a and 11b. This alarm switch 13 is a non-locking ON-OFF type, and is normally in an off state. Obviously, this switch 13 may be of a type such as a push button, a spring-loaded toggle, etc.

The audible alarm 11 generates a high level signal at a frequency to which human hearing is most sensitive, for example 2 to 3 KH2. This audible alarm 11 is connected to the LE by a direction switch 3 in order to further enhance the visual alarm from LE, D groups 1 and 2.
It operates in accordance with the blinking of D group 1 or 2. In this way, the value of the present safety signal device for daytime and nighttime use is enhanced.

Since the audible alarm 11 consumes little power, battery life can be utilized efficiently.

A light emitting signal that causes the LED groups 1 and 2, as well as 45 to blink, is generated by the integrated circuit 15.

This integrated circuit 15 has a timer function and generates an output pulse with a selectable repetition period and duty, and can be replaced with another device having an equivalent function. The output of this integrated circuit 15 is a pulse that turns ON and OFF at two different repetition periods selected in advance.

The pin (2) of this integrated circuit 15 intended to use 1M3909 (trade name) is connected to the anode of the power supply 815 via the a element of the power switch 7.

The bottle (2) is connected to the anode side of the first capacitor (19) via the first resistor (17). This first capacitor 1
The anode of 9 is also connected to the common terminal of both the a and b elements of the directional switch 3.

The pin 2 of the integrated circuit 15 is connected to the cathodes of the first capacitor 19 and the second capacitor 21 . The anode of the second capacitor 21 is connected to the symmetrical lateral terminals of the a and b elements of the directional switch 3. The pin ■ is grounded through the second resistor 23 and is also connected to the base of the transistor 25. This transistor 2
5 is the grounded emitter and the intermediate terminal of the C and d elements of direction switch 3 and alarm switch 1
It has a collector connected to a terminal on one side of 3.

The first resistor 17 and the first capacitor 19 are connected to the integrated circuit 15.
The first of LED groups 1 and 2 by triggering with its time constant,
This functions to set the frequency of the issuing signal.

The second capacitor 21 is connected in parallel to the first capacitor 19 via the a and b elements when the direction switch 3 selects either the left direction or right direction support signal, so that the selected one is ED. A lower frequency for a second issue signal feeding the group is set.

The additional coupling of the second capacitor 21 causes the resulting pulses to have a lower repetition frequency.

Alternatively, a similar second emission signal frequency can be set at the a and b elements of the directional switch 3 by removing the second capacitor 21 and installing an additional resistor (not shown) in series with the first resistor 17. It can also be obtained by shunting.

Transistor 25 acting as a switch in saturation mode
are connected in a common emitter fashion and are activated by pulses derived by the integrated circuit 15. A second resistor 23 is used to bias transistor 25. The operation of the transistor 25 in saturation mode thus requires only a minimal trace voltage drop across the collector-emitter junction, allowing operation of the circuit even when the battery is discharged or weakened by use. It is something.

If desired, the stoplight 39a can be replaced with the rear LED group 1b.
and 2b can also be added to the rear housing 8. This stoplight 39a is arranged by appropriate means, and the stoplight circuit 31
It acts to supply the P name. The circuit comprises a second transistor 33, which also acts as a switch in common emitter saturation mode, the base of which is connected to a resistive voltage divider. The voltage divider circuit supplies a bias current to the transistor 33 and is formed by resistors 35 and 37, and the resistor 35 is connected between the base of the transistor 33 and the anode of the power supply 5. . Another resistor 37 connects the base of transistor 33 to ground.

The collector of transistor 33 is Strubrite 39
One or more LEDs 39 forming a (only one shown)
The anode is connected to the anode of the power source 5.

- the above stop switch 41 is mounted on the frame near the brake lever, caliper or caliper,
A signal is supplied to light up the LED 39. These stop switches 41 are non-locking type 0N-OFF.
Under normal conditions, it is in the off state. Further, the stop switches 41 are inserted in parallel with each other between the emitters of the transistors 33 and the ground, and when one of these switches 41 is closed, the emitters of the transistors 33 are grounded, and the transistor 33 is thus grounded. 3& becomes conductive, and current flows through the LED 39.

The running LED circuit 45 includes LEDs 43a and 143b.

It is composed of a parallel circuit of 44a and 44b, and its anode is connected to the anode of the electric current m5 via the a element of the power switch 7, and its cathode is connected directly to the collector of the transistor 25 without going through a switch or the like. Therefore, if the power switch 7 is in the ON state, the blinking state is always maintained. Each L of this running LED circuit 45
ED43a, 43b, 44a and 44b are the second
As shown in the figure and FIG. 3, the LED groups 1a, lb, 2a and 211 which function as the direction indicator are arranged at the center of each group.

Therefore, no matter what position the directional switch 3 is set to, the LEDs 43 and 44 will be in a blinking state when the -carrying power switch is set to either of the two positions. These LEDs 43, 44 may be placed at other appropriate locations on the safety signal 01 and function as running lights to enhance the visibility of the warning jJ and turn signal lights.

Here, one more integrated circuit and one more resistor are added to the circuit of the above embodiment, and the direction indicating LED group on the non-selected side blinks and emits light at a frequency of 6 Hz, and the selected LED
Group D can also flash at a lower frequency of 2 hertz. That is, it is connected in the same manner as to integrated circuit 15, except that second capacitor 21 is connected to this added second integrated circuit instead of integrated circuit 15. In this arrangement, two signals with different timings are supplied simultaneously.

Such a circuit is shown in FIG. 5, but it otherwise operates similarly to FIG. For the directional switch 3 in its intermediate position, the entire LED group 1.2 flashes at the frequency of the first lighting signal. In the other first and twelfth switching positions,
The LEQ group on the selected side blinks at a slow cycle due to the first light emission signal, and the LED group on the sleeve continues to blink at a fast cycle due to the second light emission signal No. 13. Running LED33.3
4 continues to flicker continuously with the second light emitting signal without being switched, and it is not necessarily necessary to arrange it in the LED group 1.2, but for example, it can be arranged on the sides of both housings 6.8, It can also be used as a lateral warning to a third party.

The added integrated circuit +5b together with integrated circuit 15a generates two repetitive pulses for simultaneous use. That is, the integrated circuit 15a, together with the resistor 17a and the first capacitor 19, determines the frequency of the light emitting signal of the first part, and the integrated circuit 15b, together with the resistor 17b and the second capacitor 21, determines the frequency of the second light emitting signal. . Both image integrated circuits 15 operate the bases of transistors 25b and 25a, respectively. A transistor 25 with saturation switching operation has a collector connected to the common terminal of each element of the direction switch 3. That is, transistor 25a is connected to the C and d elements, transistor 2511 is connected to the a and b elements. are connected to each other.

In the intermediate position of the directional switch 3, the entire LED group emits light at the frequency of the first illumination signal while the transistor 25a conducts through the normally connected intermediate terminals of the d and C elements 1. . When the direction switch 3 is in either of the other two switching positions, it is normally in A-
By means of either the d or C elements of the audible alarm 11 is coupled to the transistor 25a to provide a sound output for an audible turn signal horn.

Further, the side LED group not selected by the remaining one of the two members 1- is connected to the transistor 25a, and continues to blink at a fast cycle according to the first light emission signal. At this time, the LED group on the selected side is switched to the transistor 25 by one of the a and b elements of the direction switch 3.
b and is supplied with the second light emitting signal, so that it starts blinking at a slower period. Since the running LEDs 43, 44 are directly connected to the transistor 25b, they are continuously blinked by the second light emitting signal regardless of the state of the direction switch 3.

(Effects of the Invention) The present invention has six structures as described above, and is provided with at least two systems of light emitting means, and the light emitting means is selectively operated by appropriately switching the light emitting signals of the two fences having different frequencies using a switch means. A compact and inexpensive safety signal device that can very effectively visually indicate to other vehicles or pedestrians the presence of bicycles, other off-road vehicles or sports equipment, or actions such as turning. can be obtained. .

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention installed on a bicycle, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the front housing, FIG. 3 is a front view of the rear housing, and FIG.
5 and 5 are circuit diagrams showing an example of the electric circuit configuration. 1.2...Light emitting diode group, 3...
Direction switch, 5...Power supply, 6...Front housing, 7...Power switch, 8.
... Rear housing, 11 ... Audible alarm, 13 ... Alarm switch, 15 ... Pa integrated circuit, 25.33 ... 1 ~ Ranjista, 3
1... Stop light circuit, 41...
Stop switch, 45... Running, ED circuit. Patent Applicant: Overseas Data Service Co., Ltd. Agent: Patent Attorney Isao Sasaki

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A housing attached to the frame of a bicycle or other off-road heavy equipment, or sports equipment, at least two systems of light emitting means attached to the housing, and blinking of these light emitting means. A safety signal device comprising a light emission signal generating means for generating first and second light emission signals of different frequencies for causing light emission, and a switch means for selectively transmitting the light emission signal to the light emission means as appropriate. ■ A patent characterized in that the housing comprises a first housing attached to the front part of the frame of the bicycle or other off-road equipment, particularly sports equipment, etc., and a second housing attached to the rear part of the frame. A safety signal device according to claim (1). (3) The safety signal device according to claim 1 or 0, wherein a light emitting diode is used as the light emitting means. (4) The light emitting means includes a plurality of light emitting diodes to which a light emitting signal is supplied so as to emit light in a continuous flickering manner, and two systems each having a plurality of light emitting diodes and selectively receiving a light emitting signal. 3. The safety signal device according to claim 3, comprising a group of light emitting diodes, wherein at least one light emitting diode that continuously flickers and emits light is disposed in the group of light emitting diodes. (2) A multi-position switch capable of switching between at least three states is used as the switch means, and when the switch means is in an intermediate position, all of the light emitting diode groups P and C odes of the two systems are switched to the first state. The light-emitting diodes of the light-emitting diode group belonging to the first system blink and emit light according to the light-emitting signal when the light-emitting signal is in the first switching position, and the light-emitting diodes of the light-emitting diode group belonging to the first system flash and emit light when the light-emitting signal is in the second switching position. The safety signal device according to claim 4, characterized in that the light emitting diodes of the light emitting diode group belonging to the light emitting diode group flash and emit light in response to the second light emitting signal. The safety signal device according to claim 0, characterized in that the frequency of the second light emitting signal is set to a higher value than the frequency of the second light emitting signal. Claim 9 further comprising: audible alarm means that operates in response to the operation of the first or second group of light emitting diodes when the light emitting diode group is in the total switching position of claim 2. Safety signal device. (8) The light emitting means is comprised of a group of light emitting diodes formed by a plurality of light emitting diodes, each of which has a pattern set in advance and is attached to the housing. Safety signal device according to claim 0, characterized in that the first housing is provided with lighting means for illuminating the front of a bicycle, other off-road equipment, sports equipment, etc. Safety signal device.