WO2013186685A1 - Bicycle front lamp with dual focus optical system - Google Patents

Bicycle front lamp with dual focus optical system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013186685A1
WO2013186685A1 PCT/IB2013/054737 IB2013054737W WO2013186685A1 WO 2013186685 A1 WO2013186685 A1 WO 2013186685A1 IB 2013054737 W IB2013054737 W IB 2013054737W WO 2013186685 A1 WO2013186685 A1 WO 2013186685A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
horizontal plane
front lamp
light cone
optical system
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/054737
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter Vernickel
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Publication of WO2013186685A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013186685A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/08—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
    • B60Q1/085—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to special conditions, e.g. adverse weather, type of road, badly illuminated road signs or potential dangers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
    • B62J6/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices on cycles; Mounting or supporting thereof; Circuits therefor
    • B62J6/02—Headlights
    • B62J6/028—Headlights specially adapted for rider-propelled cycles with or without additional source of power
    • B62J6/029—Headlights specially adapted for rider-propelled cycles with or without additional source of power characterised by the structure, e.g. casings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/265—Composite lenses; Lenses with a patch-like shape
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/63—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates
    • F21S41/635—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on refractors, filters or transparent cover plates by moving refractors, filters or transparent cover plates
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/657—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by moving light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/663—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by switching light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/67—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on reflectors
    • F21S41/675—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on reflectors by moving reflectors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/11—Linear movements of the vehicle
    • B60Q2300/112—Vehicle speed

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bicycle front lamp with an optical system comprising one or several light sources and one or several lamp reflectors and/or lenses.
  • Bicycle front lamps typically emit a light cone directed downward to illuminate an area on the ground which extends several meters in front of the bicycle.
  • LED technology has dramatically improved lighting of bicycles.
  • small obstacles like branches outside the downwardly directed focus of the front lamp are hard to be noticed by bikers in case of missing daylight and missing or not well positioned street lamps.
  • Additional point like light sources like oncoming other bikers with bright LED lighting, worsen the problem.
  • Small branches or other objects in the path of the biker outside of the downwardly directed light cone or focus of the front lamp are just not noticed. The biker has no chance to avoid the obstacle. If in the height of the head, even small branches can lead to injury of the eyes or the face.
  • JP2010153269A proposes a vehicle front lamp generating a surrounding area low-intensity light in addition to a high-intensity narrow area main light.
  • the additional low- intensity light however, has to be sufficiently weak in order to not irritate other oncoming bikers, pedestrians or car drivers.
  • the object is achieved with the bicycle front lamp according to claim 1.
  • Advantageous embodiments of the front lamp are subject of the dependent claims or are described in the subsequent portions of the description.
  • the proposed bicycle front lamp comprises an optical system with one or several light sources and one or several lamp reflectors and/or lenses.
  • the optical system is designed to generate at least two separate light cones.
  • a first light cone is directed downward with its central axis with respect to a horizontal plane when the front lamp is correctly mounted on the bicycle. This first light cone represents a first focus enlightening the bicycle track as it is standard in known bicycle lamps.
  • a second light cone is directed upward with its central axis with respect to the horizontal plane. This second focus aims on the area in front of the bikers head to make hazardous obstacles visible.
  • the second light cone can be directed upward at a sufficiently large angle of its central axis with respect to the horizontal plane such that oncoming persons, like pedestrians, other bikers or car drivers, are not glared by the light of the second light cone outside of a distance of approx. 5 meters from the lamp.
  • different angles >0° of the lower margin of the second light cone to the horizontal can be adjusted with the proposed front lamp, for example an angle of about 10° to the horizontal plane.
  • ⁇ of the second light cone At a given full vertical divergence angle ⁇ of the second light cone this results in an angle of the central axis of this light cone to the horizontal plane of ⁇ /2 + 10°.
  • the upper margin of the first light cone has an angle of preferably ⁇ 0° to the horizontal plane in the downward direction.
  • the optimal angle depends on the velocity of the bicycle, on the size of the bicycle and of the biker, and on the position of the lamp on the bicycle.
  • the proposed bicycle front lamp the illumination of the ground in front of the biker enlightening the bicycle track is the same as already known from bicycle lamps of the prior art. Due to the second light cone directed upward, a strong illumination of an area in front of the bikers head is possible without disturbing oncoming persons in front of the biker. This effect cannot be achieved with a lamp mounted at the helmet of the biker, which lamp would have to be oriented to emit horizontally and thus would dazzle oncoming persons. It is thus possible with the proposed front lamp to use a high intensity illumination for illuminating the region in front of the bikers head to make hazardous obstacles clearly visible.
  • the second light cone or focus is generated with a sufficiently large angle of its lower margin to the horizontal plane in order to avoid a glare for pedestrians, car drivers or other bikers by this second light cone.
  • the lateral divergence of the second light cone is preferably smaller than the lateral extension of the first light cone.
  • the second light cone has a lateral divergence (full divergence) of ⁇ 20°, in particular ⁇ 15°.
  • the proposed bicycle front lamp comprises a housing in which the optical system and preferably also a control circuit for operating the one or several light sources are arranged.
  • the optical system comprises the one or several reflectors and/or one or several front lenses for collimating or focusing and guiding the light emitted by the light sources to the desired directions.
  • the two light cones can be generated by one single light source in connection with an appropriately designed dual foci reflector or lens.
  • the two light cones can also be generated by several light sources in connection with such a dual foci reflector or lens. The same applies to the combination of one or several light sources with a reflector and an appropriate lens generating the two light cones from the light coming from the reflector.
  • the two light cones can also be generated by two separate optical subsystems, each subsystem comprising one or several light sources and a corresponding reflector and/or lens.
  • the optical subsystem generating the second light cone is arranged on top of the lamp housing in which the optical subsystem generating the first light cone is included.
  • This is a non-exhaustive enumeration of possible designs. The skilled person is able to design appropriate optical systems and also to find other designs for appropriate optical systems generating two light cones directed upward and downward with respect to a horizontal plane.
  • the horizontal plane is the plane parallel to the ground on which the bicycle moves.
  • a front lamp of the bicycle typically has to be mounted on the bicycle such that the first light cone is directed downward from the horizontal plane to illuminate an appropriate ground area in front of the bicycle. This is meant with the intended mounting or correct mounting or orientation of the bicycle front lamp.
  • the bicycle front lamp is mounted in the correct orientation, the second light cone is directed upward from the horizontal plane.
  • an appropriate (electrical or mechanical) adjustment mechanism is provided in the proposed bicycle lamp.
  • the optical subsystem generating the second light cone or a mirror deflecting the light emitted by this second optical subsystem is mounted in a pivotable component arranged on top of the bicycle lamp. By pivoting this component the angle of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane can be adjusted.
  • the one or several light sources, from which the light for the second light cone is generated are mounted movable in an appropriate direction such that the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane changes with the movement of the light source(s). For example, shifting of the light source(s) towards or away from the lens or reflector changes the focus.
  • several LED light sources are arranged at appropriate different positions or angles for generating the light for the second light cone such that for each position of the LED light sources another angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane is achieved. By switching between these different LED light sources then the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane can be modified.
  • the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone to the horizontal plane is automatically changed dependent on the velocity of the biker.
  • velocity information is submitted to the control circuit for the light sources.
  • This control circuit then also controls the adjustment of the above angle, e.g. by switching between the LED light sources in the previous embodiment.
  • the control circuit controls a motor arranged to change the pivoting angle of the pivoting component according- ly.
  • the control circuit controls the movement of the light sources to adjust the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone to the horizontal plane.
  • the change of the angle is adjusted such that at a higher velocity a smaller angle to the horizontal plane is selected than at a lower velocity in order to enable the biker to recognize any obstacles in time.
  • the input signal indicating the velocity of the bicycle or biker can be derived from a standard speedometer which is already known for bikes and comprises an appropriate magnetic sensor on the wheel.
  • a further possibility is the use of a GPS device, e.g. a smart phone which many bikers already possess.
  • a velocity indicating signal can be derived from current or voltage pulses a dynamo provides (in case no batteries are used for the lamp). In this context, back lights are already known switching a break light on in case the velocity of the bike gets slower.
  • control circuit provides an appropriate interface for connecting the lamp to such a unit providing a velocity signal.
  • angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone to the horizontal plane can also be changed by the biker.
  • a switch is provided, allowing to toggle between at least two angle configurations, one for higher and one for lower velocities.
  • the switch might be attached e.g. to the handle bar to be easily accessible.
  • the proposed bicycle front lamp preferably comprises one or several LEDs as light source(s).
  • the lamp may be operated by a battery but may also be operated by other energy sources, like e.g. a dynamo of the bike.
  • the light sources for the second light cone may be selected to emit in a different or narrower wavelength range than the light source(s) for the first light cone (typically white light).
  • the human eye is more sensitive to yellow light so that the light sources for the second light cone may advantageously emit mainly yellow light.
  • the proposed bicycle lamp can be applied for all types of bicycles, i.e. also for electric bicycles.
  • Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a first example of the proposed front lamp
  • Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a second example of the proposed front lamp
  • Fig. 3 a schematic view showing the light cones of the proposed front lamp when intendedly mounted on a bicycle
  • Fig. 4 a schematic view showing the situation when a pedestrian is in front of the bicycle
  • Fig. 5 a schematic view showing the situation when a car is in front of the bicycle
  • Fig. 6 a schematic top view showing the lateral divergence of the first and second light cones of the proposed front lamp
  • Fig. 7 a schematic top view showing the lateral light distribution of the first and the second light cones in a second example of the proposed front lamp
  • Fig. 8 a schematic view of an example of the optical system for generating the two light cones
  • Fig. 9 a schematic view of a further example of part of the optical system for generating the two light cones.
  • Fig. 10 a schematic view of a further example of the optical system for gen- erating the two light cones.
  • Fig. 1 shows a side view of a first example of the proposed front lamp 1.
  • a front lamp 1 is mounted with a lamp holder 2 on the bicycle.
  • the optical system of the lamp generates a first light cone 3 directed - when the lamp is correctly mounted on the bicycle - downward from a horizontal plane 5, and a second light cone 4 directed upward from the horizontal plane 5.
  • the first light cone in the following also named first focus, represents the standard focus light as in typical bicycle front lamps of the prior art.
  • the additional second light cone 4, in the following also named second focus can be formed by a special dual focus lens in front of the light source in the lamp. With such a dual focus lens also light sources other than LEDs can be used, for example standard (halogen) bulbs.
  • the figure shows the combined mounting.
  • the solution shown in figure 1 could also be realized with at least two LEDs placed in a way to excite the first focus light with at least one first LED and the second focus light with at least one second LED.
  • the LED light is by design more focused so that in case of LEDs the requirements for the optical system of the lamp are relaxed.
  • the proposed bicycle lamp preferably also provides switches to operate the two light cones or foci independently.
  • the additional focus can also be formed by a second optical subsystem to fulfill the requirements for the second focus light.
  • FIG. 2 shows a side view of an example of such a construction in which the light source for the second focus light is arranged together with a corresponding lens and/or reflector in a pivotable component 6 arranged on top of the housing of the lamp 1.
  • Component 6 is pivotable around an axis 7 such that the angle ⁇ of the lower margin of the second focus light 4 can be changed or adjusted.
  • the first focus (first light cone 3) should be kept as it is standard. This standard focus illuminates a ground area in front of the bicycle as indicated in figure 3.
  • the second focus (second light cone 4) aims for the volume 4 to 5 meters in front of the bikers head.
  • Fig. 3 schematically shows the illuminated regions in front of a biker 9 when the lamp 1 is intentionally mounted on a bicycle 8.
  • the line of view 10 of the biker 9 is indicated with a dashed line.
  • the illumination of the area in front of the bikers head with the second light cone 4 gives the biker enough time to shut eyes or turn or nod or shake the head to avoid a possible injury in case of an obstacle.
  • the illuminated volume 4 to 5 meters in front of the bikers head is calculated assuming a velocity of the bicycle 8 of 20 km/h.
  • Figure 6 shows a top view of the lateral divergence of the first and second light cones 3, 4.
  • the second light cone 4 has a significantly smaller lateral divergence than the first light cone 3.
  • the second light cone or focus 4 does not extend to the sides like the standard focus 3, so that other bikers 13 passing at the side of the biker are not disturbed by the second light cone 3.
  • the second light cone has a lateral full divergence angle ⁇ of approximately 6°.
  • the lateral divergence of the second light cone 4 can also be larger than in figure 6 in case that this second light cone 4 extents slightly to the right (or to the left, when in left-hand traffic countries) with respect to the driving direction or central axis of first light cone 3. This improves the visibility of objects close to the bikers head on the right side without disturbing persons passing the biker on the left side.
  • Figure 8 shows an example of a part of the optical system of the proposed lamp.
  • a dual foci reflector 16 is provided with two LED light sources 14, 15.
  • the first light source 14 generates the light directed by a first portion of the reflector 16 to the downward direction with respect to the horizontal plane 5.
  • the second LED light source 15 is arranged in front of a second portion of the reflector 16 to generate the second light cone 4.
  • a single light source might be sufficient.
  • the two foci can also be generated by selectively switching a number of LEDs 20 of a multiple LED array.
  • LEDs (7 of 14 in this example) are indicated by the hatched areas.
  • a holder 21 holds the multiple LEDs, the foci of the individual LEDs overlap.
  • the required foci of the bike lamp can be achieved by combining several foci of the individual LEDs.
  • the holder 21 has a 3D structure , so that the horizontal and lateral illumination angles can be generated. This configura- tion allows to easily adapt the shapes of the foci.
  • Figure 10 shows a further example using only a single light source 17 together with a conventional parabolic reflector 18.
  • a specially designed dual focus lens 19 is provided which directs an upper part of the light coming from the reflec- tor 18 upward forming the second light cone 4, and a remaining part downward forming the first light cone 3.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bicycle front lamp with an optical system comprising one or several light sources (14,15,17) and one or several lamp reflectors (16,18) and/or lenses (19). The optical system is designed to generate two light cones, a first of said light cones (3) being directed downward with respect to a horizontal plane (5) and a second of said light cones (4) being directed upward with respect to the horizontal plane (5). The proposed front lamp allows an illumination of an area in front of the bikers head without disturbing other persons in front of the bike.

Description

BICYCLE FRONT LAMP WITH DUAL FOCUS OPTICAL SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bicycle front lamp with an optical system comprising one or several light sources and one or several lamp reflectors and/or lenses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bicycle front lamps typically emit a light cone directed downward to illuminate an area on the ground which extends several meters in front of the bicycle. During the last years, LED technology has dramatically improved lighting of bicycles. With the brighter and more focused light of LED lamps however, small obstacles like branches outside the downwardly directed focus of the front lamp are hard to be noticed by bikers in case of missing daylight and missing or not well positioned street lamps. Additional point like light sources, like oncoming other bikers with bright LED lighting, worsen the problem. Small branches or other objects in the path of the biker outside of the downwardly directed light cone or focus of the front lamp are just not noticed. The biker has no chance to avoid the obstacle. If in the height of the head, even small branches can lead to injury of the eyes or the face.
JP2010153269A proposes a vehicle front lamp generating a surrounding area low-intensity light in addition to a high-intensity narrow area main light. The additional low- intensity light however, has to be sufficiently weak in order to not irritate other oncoming bikers, pedestrians or car drivers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a bicycle front lamp which allows a sufficiently intense illumination of a region in front of the bikers head without disturbing oncoming bikers, pedestrians or car drivers.
The object is achieved with the bicycle front lamp according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the front lamp are subject of the dependent claims or are described in the subsequent portions of the description. The proposed bicycle front lamp comprises an optical system with one or several light sources and one or several lamp reflectors and/or lenses. The optical system is designed to generate at least two separate light cones. A first light cone is directed downward with its central axis with respect to a horizontal plane when the front lamp is correctly mounted on the bicycle. This first light cone represents a first focus enlightening the bicycle track as it is standard in known bicycle lamps. A second light cone is directed upward with its central axis with respect to the horizontal plane. This second focus aims on the area in front of the bikers head to make hazardous obstacles visible. The second light cone can be directed upward at a sufficiently large angle of its central axis with respect to the horizontal plane such that oncoming persons, like pedestrians, other bikers or car drivers, are not glared by the light of the second light cone outside of a distance of approx. 5 meters from the lamp. Preferably, different angles >0° of the lower margin of the second light cone to the horizontal can be adjusted with the proposed front lamp, for example an angle of about 10° to the horizontal plane. At a given full vertical divergence angle Θ of the second light cone this results in an angle of the central axis of this light cone to the horizontal plane of Θ/2 + 10°. The upper margin of the first light cone has an angle of preferably · 0° to the horizontal plane in the downward direction. The optimal angle depends on the velocity of the bicycle, on the size of the bicycle and of the biker, and on the position of the lamp on the bicycle. With the proposed bicycle front lamp the illumination of the ground in front of the biker enlightening the bicycle track is the same as already known from bicycle lamps of the prior art. Due to the second light cone directed upward, a strong illumination of an area in front of the bikers head is possible without disturbing oncoming persons in front of the biker. This effect cannot be achieved with a lamp mounted at the helmet of the biker, which lamp would have to be oriented to emit horizontally and thus would dazzle oncoming persons. It is thus possible with the proposed front lamp to use a high intensity illumination for illuminating the region in front of the bikers head to make hazardous obstacles clearly visible. The second light cone or focus is generated with a sufficiently large angle of its lower margin to the horizontal plane in order to avoid a glare for pedestrians, car drivers or other bikers by this second light cone. In order to avoid also an irritation of other persons passing the biker at the side, the lateral divergence of the second light cone is preferably smaller than the lateral extension of the first light cone. In a preferred embodiment, the second light cone has a lateral divergence (full divergence) of · 20°, in particular · 15°. The proposed bicycle front lamp comprises a housing in which the optical system and preferably also a control circuit for operating the one or several light sources are arranged. The optical system comprises the one or several reflectors and/or one or several front lenses for collimating or focusing and guiding the light emitted by the light sources to the desired directions. The two light cones can be generated by one single light source in connection with an appropriately designed dual foci reflector or lens. The two light cones can also be generated by several light sources in connection with such a dual foci reflector or lens. The same applies to the combination of one or several light sources with a reflector and an appropriate lens generating the two light cones from the light coming from the reflector. Furthermore, the two light cones can also be generated by two separate optical subsystems, each subsystem comprising one or several light sources and a corresponding reflector and/or lens. Preferably the optical subsystem generating the second light cone is arranged on top of the lamp housing in which the optical subsystem generating the first light cone is included. This is a non-exhaustive enumeration of possible designs. The skilled person is able to design appropriate optical systems and also to find other designs for appropriate optical systems generating two light cones directed upward and downward with respect to a horizontal plane.
The horizontal plane is the plane parallel to the ground on which the bicycle moves. A front lamp of the bicycle typically has to be mounted on the bicycle such that the first light cone is directed downward from the horizontal plane to illuminate an appropriate ground area in front of the bicycle. This is meant with the intended mounting or correct mounting or orientation of the bicycle front lamp. When the bicycle front lamp is mounted in the correct orientation, the second light cone is directed upward from the horizontal plane. In order to further adjust the angle of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane, preferably an appropriate (electrical or mechanical) adjustment mechanism is provided in the proposed bicycle lamp.
In one embodiment of the lamp, the optical subsystem generating the second light cone or a mirror deflecting the light emitted by this second optical subsystem is mounted in a pivotable component arranged on top of the bicycle lamp. By pivoting this component the angle of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane can be adjusted.
In another embodiment, the one or several light sources, from which the light for the second light cone is generated, are mounted movable in an appropriate direction such that the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane changes with the movement of the light source(s). For example, shifting of the light source(s) towards or away from the lens or reflector changes the focus.
In a further embodiment, several LED light sources are arranged at appropriate different positions or angles for generating the light for the second light cone such that for each position of the LED light sources another angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane is achieved. By switching between these different LED light sources then the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone with respect to the horizontal plane can be modified.
In a further embodiment, the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone to the horizontal plane is automatically changed dependent on the velocity of the biker. To this end, velocity information is submitted to the control circuit for the light sources. This control circuit then also controls the adjustment of the above angle, e.g. by switching between the LED light sources in the previous embodiment. In another embodiment comprising the above described pivotable component, the control circuit controls a motor arranged to change the pivoting angle of the pivoting component according- ly. In a further embodiment relating to the above described movable light sources, the control circuit controls the movement of the light sources to adjust the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone to the horizontal plane. The change of the angle is adjusted such that at a higher velocity a smaller angle to the horizontal plane is selected than at a lower velocity in order to enable the biker to recognize any obstacles in time. The input signal indicating the velocity of the bicycle or biker can be derived from a standard speedometer which is already known for bikes and comprises an appropriate magnetic sensor on the wheel. A further possibility is the use of a GPS device, e.g. a smart phone which many bikers already possess. Furthermore, such a velocity indicating signal can be derived from current or voltage pulses a dynamo provides (in case no batteries are used for the lamp). In this context, back lights are already known switching a break light on in case the velocity of the bike gets slower. In any case the control circuit provides an appropriate interface for connecting the lamp to such a unit providing a velocity signal. In a further embodiment, the angle of the second light cone or of the lower margin of the second light cone to the horizontal plane can also be changed by the biker. For this purpose a switch is provided, allowing to toggle between at least two angle configurations, one for higher and one for lower velocities. The switch might be attached e.g. to the handle bar to be easily accessible.
The proposed bicycle front lamp preferably comprises one or several LEDs as light source(s). The lamp may be operated by a battery but may also be operated by other energy sources, like e.g. a dynamo of the bike. When using separate light sources for the first light cone and the second light cone, the light sources for the second light cone may be selected to emit in a different or narrower wavelength range than the light source(s) for the first light cone (typically white light). For example, the human eye is more sensitive to yellow light so that the light sources for the second light cone may advantageously emit mainly yellow light. The proposed bicycle lamp can be applied for all types of bicycles, i.e. also for electric bicycles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The proposed bicycle front lamp is described in the following by way of examples in connection with the figures without limiting the scope of protection defined by the claims. The figures show:
Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a first example of the proposed front lamp;
Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a second example of the proposed front lamp;
Fig. 3 a schematic view showing the light cones of the proposed front lamp when intendedly mounted on a bicycle;
Fig. 4 a schematic view showing the situation when a pedestrian is in front of the bicycle;
Fig. 5 a schematic view showing the situation when a car is in front of the bicycle; Fig. 6 a schematic top view showing the lateral divergence of the first and second light cones of the proposed front lamp; Fig. 7 a schematic top view showing the lateral light distribution of the first and the second light cones in a second example of the proposed front lamp;
Fig. 8 a schematic view of an example of the optical system for generating the two light cones;
Fig. 9 a schematic view of a further example of part of the optical system for generating the two light cones; and
Fig. 10 a schematic view of a further example of the optical system for gen- erating the two light cones.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 shows a side view of a first example of the proposed front lamp 1. Such a front lamp 1 is mounted with a lamp holder 2 on the bicycle. The optical system of the lamp generates a first light cone 3 directed - when the lamp is correctly mounted on the bicycle - downward from a horizontal plane 5, and a second light cone 4 directed upward from the horizontal plane 5. The first light cone, in the following also named first focus, represents the standard focus light as in typical bicycle front lamps of the prior art. The additional second light cone 4, in the following also named second focus, can be formed by a special dual focus lens in front of the light source in the lamp. With such a dual focus lens also light sources other than LEDs can be used, for example standard (halogen) bulbs.
The figure shows the combined mounting. When using LED technology, it is easy to mount more than one LED in the lamp in order to generate the light for the first and for the second focus with separate LEDs. Thus, the solution shown in figure 1 could also be realized with at least two LEDs placed in a way to excite the first focus light with at least one first LED and the second focus light with at least one second LED. The LED light is by design more focused so that in case of LEDs the requirements for the optical system of the lamp are relaxed. The proposed bicycle lamp preferably also provides switches to operate the two light cones or foci independently. The additional focus can also be formed by a second optical subsystem to fulfill the requirements for the second focus light. Fig. 2 shows a side view of an example of such a construction in which the light source for the second focus light is arranged together with a corresponding lens and/or reflector in a pivotable component 6 arranged on top of the housing of the lamp 1. Component 6 is pivotable around an axis 7 such that the angle · of the lower margin of the second focus light 4 can be changed or adjusted.
The first focus (first light cone 3) should be kept as it is standard. This standard focus illuminates a ground area in front of the bicycle as indicated in figure 3. The second focus (second light cone 4) aims for the volume 4 to 5 meters in front of the bikers head. Fig. 3 schematically shows the illuminated regions in front of a biker 9 when the lamp 1 is intentionally mounted on a bicycle 8. The line of view 10 of the biker 9 is indicated with a dashed line. The illumination of the area in front of the bikers head with the second light cone 4 gives the biker enough time to shut eyes or turn or nod or shake the head to avoid a possible injury in case of an obstacle. The illuminated volume 4 to 5 meters in front of the bikers head is calculated assuming a velocity of the bicycle 8 of 20 km/h.
Because of the angle · of the lower margin of the second light cone 4 against the horizontal plane 5, oncoming pedestrians in front of the biker are nearly not disturbed, since their eyes are outside the two foci. This is indicated with pedestrian 11 in figure 4. The vertical full divergence angle Θ of the second light cone 4 is also indicated in the figure.
There is only a short period where the pedestrians eyes would cross the beam of the second focus, but this would be close to an accident with the biker any way. The same applies when a car 12 is in front of the bicycle 8 as schematically indicated in figure 5. The car driver is not directly or indirectly (by the mirrors) glared when using the proposed front lamp with dual focus.
Figure 6 shows a top view of the lateral divergence of the first and second light cones 3, 4. In this example, the second light cone 4 has a significantly smaller lateral divergence than the first light cone 3. The second light cone or focus 4 does not extend to the sides like the standard focus 3, so that other bikers 13 passing at the side of the biker are not disturbed by the second light cone 3. In this example, the second light cone has a lateral full divergence angle · of approximately 6°. As shown in figure 7 in a further example, the lateral divergence of the second light cone 4 can also be larger than in figure 6 in case that this second light cone 4 extents slightly to the right (or to the left, when in left-hand traffic countries) with respect to the driving direction or central axis of first light cone 3. This improves the visibility of objects close to the bikers head on the right side without disturbing persons passing the biker on the left side.
Figure 8 shows an example of a part of the optical system of the proposed lamp. In this example, a dual foci reflector 16 is provided with two LED light sources 14, 15. The first light source 14 generates the light directed by a first portion of the reflector 16 to the downward direction with respect to the horizontal plane 5. The second LED light source 15 is arranged in front of a second portion of the reflector 16 to generate the second light cone 4. With a special shape of the dual foci reflector, a single light source might be sufficient.
As shown in a further example in figure 9, the two foci can also be generated by selectively switching a number of LEDs 20 of a multiple LED array. The switched on
LEDs (7 of 14 in this example) are indicated by the hatched areas. A holder 21 holds the multiple LEDs, the foci of the individual LEDs overlap. The required foci of the bike lamp can be achieved by combining several foci of the individual LEDs. The holder 21 has a 3D structure , so that the horizontal and lateral illumination angles can be generated. This configura- tion allows to easily adapt the shapes of the foci.
Figure 10 shows a further example using only a single light source 17 together with a conventional parabolic reflector 18. In front of the light source 17 a specially designed dual focus lens 19 is provided which directs an upper part of the light coming from the reflec- tor 18 upward forming the second light cone 4, and a remaining part downward forming the first light cone 3.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and forgoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. In particular, the features of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 11 can be freely combined with one another and with the remaining claims. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
1 front lamp
2 lamp holder
3 first light cone
4 second light cone
5 horizontal plane
6 pivotable component
7 pivot axis
8 bicycle
9 biker
10 line of view
11 pedestrian
12 car
13 other biker
14 first LED light source
15 second LED light source
16 dual foci reflector
17 light source
18 parabolic reflector
19 dual foci lens
20 LED
21 LED holder

Claims

Bicycle front lamp with an optical system comprising one or several light
sources (14, 15, 17) and one or several lamp reflectors (16, 18) and/or lenses (19), said optical system being designed to generate two light cones, a first of said light cones (3) being directed downward with respect to a horizontal plane (5), based on an intended mounting of the front lamp on the bicycle, and a second of said light cones (4) being directed upward with respect to the horizontal plane (5).
Front lamp according to claim 1,
wherein a lower margin of the second light cone (4) has an angle a of > 0° to the horizontal plane (5).
Front lamp according to claim 2,
wherein an upper margin of the first light cone (3) has an angle of · 0° to the horizontal plane (5).
Front lamp according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein a lateral divergence of said second light cone (4) is smaller than a lateral divergence of said first light cone (3).
Front lamp according to claim 1,
wherein the reflector (16, 18) and/or lens (19) of the optical system is geometrically designed to generate said first and said second light cones (3, 4) from light emitted by said one or several light sources (14, 15, 17).
Front lamp according to claim 1,
wherein the optical system comprises at least a first light source and a first reflector to generate said first light cone (3) and at least a second light source and a second reflector to generate said second light cone (4).
Front lamp according to claim 1,
wherein the optical system comprises an adjustment mechanism to adjust an angle of a central axis or of a lower margin of the second light cone (4) with respect to the horizontal plane (5).
8. Front lamp according to claim 6,
wherein said optical system comprises a pivotable component (6) on top of the lamp (1), said pivotable component (6) allowing adjusting an angle of a central axis of the second light cone (4) with respect to the horizontal plane (5) and including the second light source and second reflector or including a mirror element deflecting the second light cone (4).
9. Front lamp according to claim 1,
wherein said optical system comprises several LEDs as said light sources arranged at different positions in the lamp (1), each position representing a different angle of a central axis or of a lower margin of the second light cone (4) with respect to the horizontal plane (5), said LEDs being individually switchable to adjust said angle.
10. Front lamp according to claim 1,
wherein said one or several light sources (14, 15, 17) are mounted movable in a direction in order to change an angle of a central axis or of a lower margin of the second light cone (4) with respect to the horizontal plane (5).
11. Front lamp according to claim 7,
further comprising a control unit adjusting an angle of a central axis or of a lower margin of the second light cone (4) with respect to the horizontal plane (5) dependent on a velocity of the bicycle (8) such that at a lower velocity an area at the height of the bikers head closer to the biker (9) is illuminated than at a higher velocity.
PCT/IB2013/054737 2012-06-11 2013-06-10 Bicycle front lamp with dual focus optical system WO2013186685A1 (en)

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US61/657,941 2012-06-11

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WO2016115606A1 (en) * 2015-01-22 2016-07-28 Design Brains Pty Ltd Bicycle light
WO2016126895A1 (en) * 2015-02-04 2016-08-11 Slaughter Christopher Dynamic cycle light distribution system
WO2018082741A1 (en) * 2016-11-04 2018-05-11 Ledlenser GmbH & Co. KG Bicycle lamp
FR3084050A1 (en) * 2018-07-22 2020-01-24 Remi Bouton ADAPTIVE LIGHTING DEVICE FOR CYCLES
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JP2010153269A (en) 2008-12-26 2010-07-08 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Lamp tool for vehicle
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WO2016115606A1 (en) * 2015-01-22 2016-07-28 Design Brains Pty Ltd Bicycle light
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