WO2022094733A1

WO2022094733A1 - System of lights for a bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2022094733A1
Application number: PCT/CL2020/050147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maverick GAYOSO CHAVARRÍA; Nicolás MORA PIZARRO
Original assignee: Gayoso Chavarria Maverick
Priority date: 2020-11-06
Filing date: 2020-11-06
Publication date: 2022-05-12

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (1) of lights for human traction vehicles, preferably bicycles (100), which can be simply and easily adjusted, allowing cyclist visibility and safety to be improved, reducing the risk of accidents and deaths. The system comprises at least one light module (10) disposed on at least one spoke (102) of a wheel (101) of a bicycle (100) and comprising a casing (11) formed by an upper casing piece (12), a lower casing piece (13), a front plate (14) and an electronic system (19) inside the casing; and a magnetic module (20) comprising a magnet-holding head (21) for holding at least one magnet (22), and a joint (23) connected at one end to the head (21) and comprising at the other end at least two holes (23a), through which rods (25) are inserted into a sliding piece (26), wherein a base piece (27) is disposed on the end of the rods (25) and comprises fastening elements (26a) for receiving the rods (25).

Description

LIGHT SYSTEM FOR BICYCLE

SCOPE

The present invention belongs to the area of the human-powered transport vehicle industry, in particular, bicycles, and is related to a lighting system for said type of vehicle, which is operational during use.

BACKGROUND

Currently, due to high congestion due to vehicular traffic in large cities, the frequent use of human-powered vehicles, particularly bicycles, has become a real need to avoid delays due to high traffic. On the other hand, the use of bicycles has become widespread as a result of the benefits it has for human health and the low effects it has on pollution in cities.

In this sense, the bicycle market, according to figures from the Ministry of the Environment ¹ , has had an annual growth of 20% since 2005, with more than 1.2 million daily trips in Santiago alone and with a turnover of close to US $150 million per year, and whose sale of accessories grows at rates close to 30%.

A major problem with the use of bicycle transportation is insecurity, considering that people are directly exposed to an accident that may involve a larger vehicle. According to the QMS ² , 6% of the total

¹ Metro, April 19, 2018. The encouraging figures on the presence of bicycles in Santiago.

² World Health Organization (2018). Global status report on road safety, 2018. people who die from traffic accidents in Chile are cyclists (second highest rate in South America), concentrating the largest number of accidents and deaths between 6:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m. (969 accidents, 32 deaths) ³ , coinciding with the setting of the sun and the decrease in natural light. With 85 annual deaths in Chile, more than 783 annual deaths in the United States, and about 160 target deaths worldwide (WHO).

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), these accidents are attributed in 70% of cases to a lack of lateral visibility ⁴ .

On the other hand, although there are alternatives that provide sufficient lighting, the vast majority depend on the use of batteries, which are expensive, do not provide sufficient autonomy and are considered hazardous waste due to their great impact on the environment (according to the Global Fund for Nature (WWF, 2019), since a single button battery can contaminate the water of an entire Olympic pool.

In this way, it has been possible to identify solutions that seek to implement greater lateral visibility and that, in turn, are the least harmful to the environment. For example, document WO2018050197 shows a fixing device for fixing an accessory to a bicycle comprising a light source, such as a magnet generator driven light source, such as an electric battery powered light source, such as a front light and/or a rear light and/or a combined front and rear light. a

Conaset, (2018). Traffic accidents involving bicycle occupants and consequences, 2017.

⁴ NHTSA, US Department of Transportation (2018). Traffic Safety Report, 2017. Another solution is presented in document CN2109975U, which discloses an induction-type bicycle light emitter, consisting of a permanent magnet, an induction coil, a light-emitting element, a cable, a transparent plastic tube, a reflector and a holder. The structure is characterized in that the permanent magnet is fixed on the frame by a holder, the induction coil is sealed and encapsulated in the reflector, and the light emitter is fixed on the spoke of the wheel and has at least two pieces. The light-emitting element is connected to the induction coil via a cable, and is encapsulated in a clear plastic tube.

Document KR20150010286 refers to a non-resistant self-generated lighting device mounted on a bicycle. The device includes a bracket mounted to a front wheel axle of a bicycle; a headlamp mounted at a forward end of the bracket and having an induction coil inside; and a magnetic body mounted on a spoke of the front wheel and corresponding to the induction coil, where the magnetic body is rotated by the rotation of the front wheel to repeatedly connect and disconnect from the induction coil to form an electromagnetic field with the order to generate electricity to power the lighthouse

A solution similar to the previous ones is the one presented in document CN207094499. This document describes a self-generating bicycle light system, including a permanent magnet module and a circuit module connected to the permanent magnet module. The circuit module includes an induction coil module, a voltage stabilizing rectifier module and a light emitting module connected in sequence; where the circuit module is fixed on the spokes of the bicycle, the permanent magnet module is fixed on the front or rear fork of the bicycle. When the wheel of bicycle rotates, the induction coil module in the circuit module cuts the magnetic induction wire of the permanent magnet module to generate the direct current so that the alternating current is generated by the voltage regulator rectifier module, allowing the module to be driven light emitter.

Another solution is that presented by document CN2086230, which describes a bicycle turn signal that generates energy and that can actively flash to the side and passively emit light, comprising at least one side reflector mounted on the spokes, and that It features: a light-emitting diode at the front end inside the side reflector cavity, and an induction coil assembly connected to the diode, which is installed at the rear end; and where on the inner side of the front fork (vertical fork, flat fork) is fixed with a permanent magnet; and when the side reflector is turned towards the permanent magnet, the two are close but not in contact with each other.

Document CN201224449Y relates to an improved structure of a luminous wheel, comprising: a wheel body, used to support the fork of the wheel body, a luminous element and a magnetic component fixed on the fork, in which the fork has two rods, the wheel body is installed between the two poles, and an electromagnetic induction is provided in the luminous element. An application component, which allows induction current generated by the electromagnetic induction component to be applied to the light-emitting element, where the magnetic component is fixed on one of the support rods, and the magnetic component includes a fixing frame and a magnet fixed in the fixing frame. A new solution is presented by document KR 101200046, which discloses a bicycle comprising a support frame for supporting wheels, a saddle, and a steering wheel. The bicycle is connected to a wheel bar of a bicycle wheel which has a magnet, a magnetic body; a light-emitting body attached to a support frame for supporting the wheel and emitting light by a current generated by repeatedly crossing the magnetic body by the rotation of the wheel, wherein the magnetic body is formed with an adjusting portion in which is a magnet is encountered and a first rib receiving portion is formed through which the wheel bar is inserted at both ends thereof and a fixing groove is formed. The bicycle also comprises a magnetic body and a fixing protrusion which is inserted into the first insertion portion of the magnetic body and attached to the fixing groove, being formed on the inner surface of the magnetic body.

Consequently, a large part of the solutions described try to take advantage of the rotation of the bicycle wheel to generate current by means of magnetic induction, where, for the most part, the magnetic field generating element is static and the light generating element is arranged dynamically on a bicycle wheel.

However, it has been detected that the systems described in the state of the art and those that are currently used, present a high rigidity in the adjustment of their elements, in particular, the elements that generate the magnetic field to carry out the induction to a light generating element. This feature has become a problem because, since there is no adequate adjustment between the position of the induction generator element and the element that generates the light from the induction, it is more difficult to obtain the optimal distance and position between both elements that allows a good calibration, in order to ensure permanent and effective operation during use.

Therefore, there is a need to implement a bicycle light system based on an induction element, which can be adjusted in its position with respect to a light-generating element, in order to obtain an optimal distance for its correct operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a battery-free bicycle lighting system that helps improve the visibility and safety of cyclists, reducing the risk of accidents and deaths. The system works by magnetic induction, taking advantage of the rotation of the bicycle wheels to generate energy, so it does not cause friction or require the use of batteries, thus reducing the high costs and pollution associated with the latter, widely used in traditional systems.

The system of the present invention comprises two modules: a light module and a magnetic or magnet module.

The light module is made up of two pieces and a plate that together make up the product's casing, inside which an electronic system is housed, whose interaction with the magnetic module allows the light to turn on. The light module is preferably arranged on at least one wheel of the bicycle.

The magnetic module is arranged in a static point of the bicycle (fork or frame), with respect to the person. The magnetic module comprises a magnet holder head attached to a base for the head, which is attached by means of rods of a base piece to one end of the module, finally, there is a sliding piece installed on the rods. This configuration allows the adjustment of the magnetic module with respect to the light module, both in its vertical and horizontal position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a view of the lighting system for a bicycle, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the light module, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the light module, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of the light module, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of the light module, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the light module, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the magnetic module, according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the magnetic module, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a light system (1) for traction vehicles human, preferably bicycles (100), where said system (1) is free of the use of batteries. The system (1) is configured to help improve the visibility and safety of cyclists, reducing the risk of accidents and deaths.

The system (1) works by magnetic induction, taking advantage of the rotation of the wheels (101) of the bicycle (100) to generate energy, so it does not cause friction or require the use of batteries, thus reducing high costs and contamination associated with the latter, widely used in traditional systems.

The system (1) comprises two parts: at least one light module (10) and a magnetic module (20). In this way, for the same wheel (101), a plurality of light modules (10) can be provided, using a single magnetic module.

At least one light module (10) is preferably arranged in at least one spoke (102) of a wheel (101) of a bicycle (100) and the magnetic module (20) is arranged in a fixed element of the bicycle frame ( 100). The light module (10) comprises a casing (11) made up of three parts: an upper casing part (12) and a lower casing part (13) and a front plate (14). In a preferred embodiment, the upper housing part (12) is configured as a transparent body, and the lower housing part (13) is configured as a solid body. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the solid body of the casing (13) is opaque in color.

The upper part of the casing (12) is configured as a hollow part with an upper face (12a), a front face (12b), some lateral faces (12c) and a rear face (12d), being open on its lower face. . The upper face (12a) is configured as a convex surface seen from one of the lateral faces (12c), presenting a greater elevation on the front face, where said convex configuration is adapted so that the light module fits more effectively with the inner surface of the rim (103) of the wheel (101). The front face (12b) comprises an open portion in its lower part. The lower part of the casing (13) is also configured as a hollow part with a lower face (13a), a pair of lateral faces (13c) and a rear face (13d), being open on its front face and its upper face. . The upper casing part (12) and the lower casing part (13) engage with each other at a joint portion by engaging means (15). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the engagement means (15) correspond to female engagement elements and male engagement elements, arranged in a respective part of the casing (11).

The front plate (14) is arranged on the front of both pieces (12, 13) covering the opening on the front face of said pieces (12, 13). In one embodiment of the invention, the front plate (14) is metallic, preferably aluminum. The fact that the front plate (14) is metallic allows the interaction distance between the light module (10) and the magnetic module (20) to be reduced, said plate (13) being made of aluminum with a thickness of 0.5 mm. . For a mode where the front plate (14) is plastic, the distance between the light module (10) and the magnetic module (20) is greater, where said plate (14) has a thickness between 2 to 3 mm.-

The respective rear faces (12d, 13d) of the carcass parts (12, 13) are each configured with a gripping portion (12d', 13d') extending from a middle portion of each rear face (12d, 13d), where in the center they each comprise a half opening that forms a holding opening (16), for the incorporation of a holding means (17), which allows maintaining the structural configuration of the light module (10). ). In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening means (17) is a Parker-type bolt, with the respective thread in the opening (16) for its assembly. In another embodiment of the invention, the fastening means (17) can correspond to a conical bolt, to tighten spokes (102) of different diameters. You can also consider the use of rubber-tipped bolts as a clamping means (17), to maintain the respective clamping on the spokes (102), without damaging them.

Between the gripping portions (12d', 13d') and internal walls (12e, 13e) of the respective casing parts (12, 13), a rail (18) is formed through which a spoke (102) of the bicycle (100) for its installation, being subsequently secured by the fastening means (17). The geometry of the rail (18) for the insertion of the spokes (102) has the advantage of allowing an interaction at various angles of incidence between the light module (10) and the rim (103) of the wheel (101). This allows the light module (10) to be installed on various wheel sizes (101) and spoke configurations (32, 36 or 42 per wheel, among others).

An electronic system (19) is housed inside the casing (11), which comprises a printed circuit (19a) or PCB, where the electronic components that allow the product to function are mounted. The electronic system (19) further comprises at least one coil (19b) and at least one light emitter or LED, for its acronym in English (19c), together with other electronic components such as at least one capacitor, a plurality of resistors and a plurality of rectifier diodes (not shown). In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic system (19) comprises at least one overvoltage (or overvoltage) protection system to prevent damage to said electronic system (19) in the event of excess power generation

The magnetic module (20) comprises a magnet holder head (21) to carry at least one magnet (22). In one embodiment of the invention, the magnet holder head (21) comprises an opening (21a), preferably circular, for the placement of a cylindrical N52 grade neodymium magnet (22). In one embodiment of the invention, said head comprises a side preferably semicircular. On one of its sides, the head comprises at least two articulation elements (21 b), which are joined to complementary articulation elements (23b) arranged at one end of a joint (23). This feature allows the angular movement of the magnet holder head (21) to be adjusted, in such a way as to bring it closer to the light module (10) during its installation. The union between the respective articulation elements (21 b, 23b) is carried out by means of a fixing system (24), which comprises a fixing element (24a), a tightening element (24b) and a fastening element (24c). ). The fixing system (24) is intended to maintain the structural connection between the joint (23) and the head (21), but allowing relative movement between both elements. At the opposite end of the articulation (23) where the articulation elements (23b) are, there are at least two perforations (23a), in which rods (25) are inserted that are connected to a sliding piece (26) which moves along said rods (25). The displacement of the sliding part (26) through said rods (26) allows adjusting the relative angle of the magnetic module (20) with the structure of the bicycle (100), bringing the head (21) closer to or further away from the rim ( 103) for installation with respect to the light module (10). At the opposite end of the rods (25) a base piece (27) is arranged, which includes fastening elements (26a) to receive said rods (25), also allowing to complement the adjustment of the vertical position of the magnetic module (20). ) during its installation. The position of the sliding piece (26) allows the fastening of the magnetic module (20) to the bicycle (100) and in turn fixes the vertical position of the magnetic module (20) with respect to the light module (10).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rods (25) are made of carbon fiber, approximately 12 cm. The clamping element (24c) is a Parker-type bolt.

M5. The magnet holder head (21) is not limited in its shape and size, and may be adaptable depending on the number and types of magnets that can be used.

To fix the magnetic module (20) to the bicycle (100), fastening elements are provided on the sliding part (26), which comprises at least one rail (26b) for the placement of said fastening elements, and elements fastening on the base part (27), which comprises at least one rail (27b) for placing said fastening elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening elements on the sliding part (26) correspond to plastic ties up to 4 mm wide and the fastening elements on the base part (27) correspond to a plastic clamp up to 12 mm wide. wide.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light module (10) comprises a mechanical motion sensor to detect when the bicycle is stopped and change the function of the light, for example, to flash to optimize the energy stored in the capacitor(s).

In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic system (19) incorporates a microcontroller to improve energy management functions, measure activity variables or improve light functions (blinking, color selection, among others). In addition, devices that allow wireless connection between the light module and other devices for information exchange are incorporated.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system (1) includes silicone pieces on the contact surfaces with the bicycle (100) of the magnetic module (20) to improve its immobilization.

In addition, fastening means with different geometries or materials can be used to improve the anchoring of the light module (10) to the bicycle wheel.

Claims

CLAIMS A system (1) of lights for human-powered vehicles, preferably bicycles (100), which presents a simple and easy adjustment, allowing to improve the visibility and safety of cyclists, reducing the risk of accidents and deaths, CHARACTERIZED because it includes : a. at least one light module (10) arranged in at least one spoke (102) of a wheel (101) of a bicycle (100), comprising a casing (11) consisting of: an upper part of the casing (12) and a part lower casing (13) and a front plate (14) and an electronic system (19) inside said casing; and b. a magnetic module (20) comprising a magnet holder head (21) to carry at least one magnet (22), a joint (23) attached at one end to the head (21) and at the end comprises at least two perforations ( 23a), in which some rods (25) are inserted into a sliding piece (26) where at the end of the rods (25) a base piece (27) is arranged, which includes fastening elements (26a) to receive said rods (25). The system (1) according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the upper part of the casing (12) is configured as a hollow part with an upper face (12a), a front face (12b), some lateral faces (12c) and a rear face (12d), being open on its lower face. The system (1) according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the upper face (12a) is configured as a convex surface seen from one of the lateral faces (12c), presenting a greater elevation on the front face. The system (1) according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that the lower part of the casing (13) is configured as a hollow piece with a lower face (13a), a pair of lateral faces (13c) and a rear face (13d), being open on its front face and its upper face. The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the upper part of the casing (12) and the lower part of the casing (13) fit together in a joining portion by means of engagement means (15) The system (1) according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the rear faces (12d, 13d) of the carcass parts (12, 13) each comprise a gripping portion (12d', 13d') extending from a portion middle of each rear face (12d, 13d), where in the center each one comprises a half opening that forms a fastening opening (16), for the incorporation of a fastening means (17). The system (1) according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that between the gripping portions (12d', 13d') and internal walls (12e, 13e) of the respective casing parts (12, 13), a rail ( 18) through which a spoke (102) of the bicycle (100) is inserted for its installation, being subsequently secured by the fastening means (17). The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the electronic system (19) comprises a printed circuit (19a) or PCB, at least one coil (19b), at least one light emitter or LED (19c), at least one capacitor, a plurality of resistors and a plurality of rectifier diodes.

9. The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the magnet holder head (21) comprises at least one opening (21a), for the placement of the magnet (22).

10. The system (1) according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the opening (21a) is circular

11. The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the magnet holder head (21) comprises at least one opening (21a), for the placement of the magnet (22).

12. The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the head (21) comprises at least two articulation elements (21 b), which are jointly joined to complementary articulation elements (23b) arranged at one end joint (23)

13. The system (1) according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that the articulated joint between the respective articulation elements (21 b, 23b) is carried out by means of a fixing system (24), which comprises a fixing element (24a) , a tightening element (24b) and a fastening element (24c).

14. The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises fastening elements on the sliding part (26), which comprises at least one rail (26b) for placing said fastening elements, and fastening elements. fastening on the base part (27), which comprises at least one rail (27b) for placing said fastening elements, to fix the magnetic module (20) to the bicycle.

15. The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the upper part of the casing (12) is configured as a transparent body, and the lower part of the casing (13) is configured as a solid body. The system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED in that the rods (25) are made of carbon fiber.