CN115230860A

CN115230860A - Operating device for a human powered vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN115230860A
Application number: CN202210366730.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 川上龙也
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2021-04-22
Filing date: 2022-04-08
Publication date: 2022-10-25
Also published as: DE102021110273A1

Abstract

An operating device for a human-powered vehicle is provided with a support structure and an operating member. The support structure includes at least one position stop. The operating member is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the support structure to perform a pulling operation. The operating member is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis relative to the support structure to perform a releasing operation. The operating member includes a positioning member configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in the first direction. The positioning member is configured to disengage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in the second direction.

Description

Operating device for a human powered vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an operating device for a human powered vehicle.

Background

Human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, are typically provided with one or more operating devices for operating one or more components. In the case of a bicycle, examples of some of these components include gear shifting devices (e.g., derailleurs or internally geared hubs), suspensions and seatposts. The operating device is typically provided on the human powered vehicle at a location (e.g., on the handlebar) where it is easy for the rider to operate the operating device. The operating device is typically connected to the component with a control cable, such as a bowden-type control cable. The control cable is pulled or released by the operating device to remotely operate the component.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, the present disclosure relates to various features of an operating device for operating a component of a human-powered vehicle. The term "human-powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle capable of being driven by at least human-powered driving force, but does not include vehicles that use only driving force other than human power. In particular, a vehicle that uses only an internal combustion engine as driving force is not included in a human-powered vehicle. It is generally assumed that human powered vehicles are compact, light vehicles, sometimes not requiring a license for driving on public roads. The number of wheels on a human powered vehicle is not limited. Human powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles having three or more wheels. Human powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, freight bikes, and recumbent bikes, and electric assist bikes (E-bike).

In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an operating device is provided that basically comprises a support structure and an operating member. The support structure includes at least one position stop. The operating member is configured to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the support structure to perform a pulling operation. The operating member is configured to pivot about a second pivot axis relative to the support structure to perform a releasing operation. The second pivot axis is different from the first pivot axis. The operating member includes a positioning member configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in a first direction. The positioning member is configured to disengage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in a second direction. The second direction is different from the first direction.

With the operation device according to the first aspect, it is possible to operate a component with a single operation member.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first aspect is configured such that the first pivot axis is parallel to and offset from the second pivot axis.

With the operation device according to the second aspect, the configuration of the operation device can be simplified.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the at least one position stop comprises a plurality of position stops selectively engaged by the positioning member to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

With the operating device according to the third aspect, a member having a plurality of operating positions can be operated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the support structure includes a first bearing portion defining the first pivot axis and a second bearing portion defining the second pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the fourth aspect, the operating device can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the operating member includes a first pivot surface configured to contact the first support portion to pivot about the first pivot axis during the pulling operation.

With the operating device according to the fifth aspect, the pulling operation can be easily performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the operating member includes a non-circular opening defined in part by the first pivot surface.

With the operating device according to the sixth aspect, the operating member can be switched between pivoting about the first pivot axis and pivoting about the second pivot axis.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the non-circular opening is defined in part by a contact surface, and the first support portion of the support structure contacts the contact surface with the positioning member engaged with the at least one position stopper.

With the operating device according to the seventh aspect, the wire can be pulled reliably during the pulling operation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects is configured such that the operating member includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second support portion to pivot about the second pivot axis during the releasing operation.

With the operating device according to the eighth aspect, the cable can be reliably released during the releasing operation.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the operating member includes a protrusion that partially defines the second pivot surface.

With the operating device according to the ninth aspect, the operating member can be reliably pivoted about the second pivot axis at relatively low cost.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the support structure comprises a slot defining the at least one position stop.

With the operating device according to the tenth aspect, the support structure can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourth to tenth aspects is configured such that the at least one position stop is at least partially aligned with the second support along a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, the operating device can be made relatively compact.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourth to tenth aspects is configured such that the at least one position stop is offset from the second support portion in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to easily provide reliably forming the second support portion for performing the releasing operation in the case where the operating device has a plurality of position stop portions.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the operating member includes a cable attachment structure.

With the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, the operating cable can be easily attached to the operating member.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the operating member is biased in the second direction by a cable to be attached to the cable attachment structure.

With the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, the operating device does not require a biasing element for performing the releasing operation of the cable, but can use a biasing force applied to the cable by a member operated by the operating device.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the support structure includes a cable guide.

With the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, the operating device can be easily controlled with a cable.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is configured such that the operating member includes a lever member.

With the operation device according to the sixteenth aspect, the user can easily operate the operation device.

Further, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed operation device will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the operation device.

Drawings

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handlebar area of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) having a first operating device and a second operating device in accordance with one illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the first operating device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the first operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 with a portion of the housing of the first operating device removed;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the second operator shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the second operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 with a portion of the housing of the second operating device removed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the internal components of the first operating device;

FIG. 7 is a first exploded perspective view of the internal components of the first operating device;

FIG. 8 is a second exploded perspective view of the internal components of the first operating device;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device in a fully released or first predetermined position;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to FIG. 9, but with the operating member having been moved toward the fully pulled or second predetermined position;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, but with the operating member having been moved such that the positioning member of the operating member engages the position stop to establish the fully pulled position or the second predetermined position;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to FIGS. 9-11, but with the operating member moved to initiate a release operation;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to FIGS. 9-12, but with the operating member having been moved from the position of FIG. 12 to disengage the positioning member of the operating member from the position stop;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the internal components of the first operating device similar to FIGS. 9-13, but with the operating member having been moved further in the release direction;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the internal components of the second operating device;

FIG. 16 is a first exploded perspective view of the internal components of the second operating device illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a second exploded perspective view of the internal components of the second operating device illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device in a fully released or first predetermined position;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 18 of the internal components of the second operating device, but with the operating member moved in a releasing direction toward a next (second) predetermined position;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to FIGS. 18 and 19 but with the operating member having been moved further in a releasing direction from the position of FIG. 19 toward the next (second) predetermined position;

fig. 21 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to fig. 18-20, but with the operating member having been moved such that the positioning member of the operating member engages the second position stop to establish the next (second) predetermined position;

fig. 22 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to fig. 18-21 but wherein the operating member has been moved further in a release direction from the second predetermined position of fig. 18 toward the next (third) predetermined position;

fig. 23 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to fig. 18-22 but wherein the operating member has been moved further in a release direction from the position of fig. 22 toward the next (third) predetermined position;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to FIGS. 18-23, but with the operating member moved such that the positioning member of the operating member engages the third position stop to establish the next (third) predetermined position;

fig. 25 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to fig. 18-24, but with the operating member having been moved in a release direction from the third predetermined position of fig. 24 toward the next (fourth) predetermined position;

fig. 26 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to fig. 18-25, but with the operating member having been moved such that the positioning member of the operating member engages the fourth position stop to establish the next (fourth) predetermined position;

fig. 27 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to fig. 18-26 but with the operating member having been moved in a release direction from the fourth predetermined position of fig. 26 toward the next (fifth) predetermined position;

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to FIGS. 18-27, but with the operating member moved such that the positioning member of the operating member engages the fifth position stop to establish the next (fifth) predetermined position;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to FIGS. 18-28, but with the operating member moved to initiate a release operation;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to FIGS. 18-29, but with the operating member having been moved from the position of FIG. 29 to disengage the positioning member of the operating member from the fifth position stop;

fig. 31 is a top plan view of the internal components of the second operating device similar to fig. 18-30, but with the operating member having been moved further in the release direction;

fig. 32 is a top plan view of the support of the second operating device illustrated in fig. 15-31;

FIG. 33 is a top plan view of a modified second operating device in accordance with another illustrated embodiment; and

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the second operating device illustrated in FIG. 33 as seen along section line 34-34 of FIG. 33.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a portion of a handlebar H of a human powered vehicle V (e.g., a bicycle). Basically, at least one operating device is provided for the human vehicle V. Here, according to the illustrated embodiment, the human-powered vehicle V is provided with a first operating device 10A and a second operating device 10B. Here, the first operating device 10A is disposed, for example, on the left side of the handlebar H so as to be operated by the left hand of an occupant (e.g., the left hand of a rider). The second operating device 10B is disposed, for example, on the right side of the handlebar H so as to be operated by the right hand of an occupant (e.g., the right hand of a rider). Although in the illustrated embodiment the handlebar H is a flat car handlebar (MTB handlebar), the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B may be configured to be mounted to other types of handlebars, such as racing (road) handlebars, as needed and/or desired.

As seen in fig. 1, the first operating device 10A is configured to be coupled to a first vehicle component BC1 (e.g., a first bicycle component such as a front derailleur) via a first control cable 12, while the second operating device 10B is configured to be coupled to a second vehicle component BC2 (e.g., a second bicycle component such as a rear derailleur or an internally geared hub) via a second control cable 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and

second operating devices

10A and 10B are configured as shifters for controlling the gears of a transmission or shifter such as a derailleur or internally geared hub. However, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B may be used as operating devices for operating other types of vehicle components (e.g., suspension, adjustable seatpost, etc.) as needed and/or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the first operating device 10A and the second operating device 10B each have a plurality of predetermined positions. That is, the first operating device 10A has two predetermined positions, and the second operating device 10B has five predetermined positions. These predetermined positions may also be referred to as predetermined gear positions or predetermined stop positions. When the first vehicle component BC1 is a front derailleur, the two predetermined positions of the first operating device 10A correspond to the gear positions of the front derailleur. When the second operating device 10B is a rear derailleur or an internally geared hub, the five predetermined positions of the second operating device 10B correspond to the gear positions of the rear derailleur or the internally geared hub.

As seen in fig. 2 and 3, the first control cable 12 is a conventional bicycle operating cable having an outer housing 16 that covers an inner cable 18. In other words, the control cable 12 is a bowden-type cable, wherein the inner wire 18 is slidably received in the outer housing 16. The inner wire 18 has a cable nipple (see fig. 3) or attachment barrel 20 for attaching the inner wire 18 to the first operating device 10A, as described below. The first operating device 10A operates the first vehicle component BC1 by selectively pulling and releasing the inner wire 18. Thus, the first operating device 10A constitutes a cable operating device. Here, the first operating device 10A is also provided with a barrel adjuster 22 for adjusting a contact point of the end portion of the housing 16 with respect to the first operating device 10A.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second control cable 14 is a conventional bicycle operating cable that has an outer case 24 that covers an inner wire 26. In other words, the control cable 14 is a bowden-type cable, wherein the inner cable 26 is slidably received in the outer housing 24. The inner wire 26 has a cable lug or attachment barrel 28 (see fig. 3) for attaching the inner wire 26 to the second operating device 10B, as described below. The second operating device 10B operates the second vehicle component BC2 by selectively pulling and releasing the inner wire 26. Thus, the second operating device 10B constitutes a cable operating device. Here, the second operating device 10B is also provided with a cylindrical adjuster 30 for adjusting a contact point of the end portion of the housing 24 with respect to the second operating device 10B.

Referring again to fig. 2 and 3, the first operating device 10A basically includes a support structure 32 and an operating member 34. An operating member 34 is movably supported on the support structure 32 for selectively operating the selective pulling and releasing of the inner wire 18 of the first control cable 12. Here, the support structure 32 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H such that an occupant of the human powered vehicle V can operate the operating member 34 from the handlebar H. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the support structure 32 can be configured to be mounted to other components of the human-powered vehicle V as needed and/or desired.

Here, the support structure 32 includes a handlebar attachment 36, a housing 38, and a support 40. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the support structure 32 can have other configurations as needed and/or desired in order to support the operating member 34. The handlebar attachment 36 is attached to a housing 38. The support 40 is supported by the housing 38. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the support 40 is disposed at least primarily inside the housing 38.

The handlebar attachment 36 is configured to be mounted to a handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar attachment 36 is preferably made of a strong rigid material, such as a metallic material or a reinforced resin material. Here, the handlebar attachment 36 has a handlebar clamp and a tightening bolt for tightening the handlebar clamp around the handlebar H. The handlebar clamp of the handlebar attachment 36 may be any type of handlebar clamp, such as a one-piece member adjustably coupled by a take-up bolt (i.e., a non-hinged clamp), or an articulated clamp having a pair of curved jaws pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a take-up bolt. Since the handlebar attachment is a well known structure, the handlebar attachment 36 will not be discussed or illustrated in further detail.

The housing 38 covers the internal components of the first operating device 10A, which are released from the inner wire 18 to be fed out of the housing 38, and pull the inner wire 18 into the housing 38. Here, for example, the housing 38 has a two-piece construction, including an upper housing part 38a and a lower housing part 38b that are fastened together by a plurality of screws. The upper and

lower housing components

38a, 38b are rigid members constructed of a suitable material, such as a hard plastic or a lightweight metal. However, the housing 38 can have various configurations as needed and/or desired.

The support 40 is a rigid plate member. The support 40 is a rigid member constructed of a suitable material, such as a hard molded plastic or a lightweight stamped metal. Although the support 40 is shown as a one-piece member, the support 40 may be made of several pieces coupled together. Alternatively, the support 40 may be integrally formed with a portion of the housing 38. Here, the support 40 of the support structure 32 comprises a cable guide 42. The cable guide portion 42 is configured to guide the first inner wire 18 relative to the support 40 when the operating member 34 is moved relative to the support 40. Preferably, as shown in fig. 6 to 8, the cable guide 42 has a screw hole 42a. The threaded bore 42a is configured to threadedly receive the barrel adjuster 22 (see fig. 3) to adjustably couple the barrel adjuster 22 to the support 40. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the barrel adjuster 22 can be omitted if needed and/or desired.

As shown in fig. 3 and 6-8, the support 40 of the support structure 32 further includes a mounting member 44. The mounting member 44 is provided with a threaded bore 44a for receiving a threaded fastener 46 (see fig. 2) to secure the operating member 34 to the support structure 32. That is, the support 40 is connected to the upper housing component 38a by threaded fasteners 46 (e.g., screws) such that the operating member 34 is movably mounted between the upper housing component 38a and the support 40. The mounting member 44 is provided with a curved engagement surface 44b that contacts the operating member 34 to help control movement of the operating member 34 as the operating member 34 moves relative to the support 40. Here, the curved engagement surface 44b is a cylindrical surface having a central axis coinciding with the central axis of the threaded hole 44 a. Thus, the support structure 32 includes a first support portion (fulrun) F1, the first support portion F1 defining the first pivot axis A1. More specifically, the curved engagement surface 44b forms a first support portion F1 that defines the first pivot axis A1.

The support structure 32 includes at least one position stop. Preferably, the support structure 32 includes a slot 48, the slot 48 defining the at least one position stop. Here, the support 40 includes at least one position stop. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the support 40 includes a slot 48 that defines a first position stop 48a and a second position stop 48b. The first and second position stops 48a, 48b are selectively engaged by the operating member 34 to selectively establish either a first predetermined position (fig. 3 and 9) or a second predetermined position (fig. 11), as described below. The slot 48 also defines a curved engagement surface 48c that contacts the operating member 34 to help control movement of the operating member 34 as the operating member 34 moves relative to the support 40. Thus, the support structure 32 includes a second bearing portion F2, the second bearing portion F2 defining a second pivot axis A2. The second pivot axis A2 is different from the first pivot axis A1. Also, the first pivot axis A1 is parallel to the second pivot axis A2 and offset from the second pivot axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved engagement surface 48c forms a second support portion F2 that defines the second pivot axis A2. Here, the curved engagement surface 48c is concentrically arranged with respect to the curved engagement surface 44b. In other words, the curved engagement surfaces 44b and 48c have centers of curvature that coincide with the first pivot axis A1.

Also, at least one position stop (e.g., first position stop 48a and/or second position stop 48 b) is at least partially aligned with the second support portion F2 in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A2. In other words, at least one of the first and second position stops 48a, 48b is at least partially located in a plane that includes the second support portion F2 and is perpendicular to the second pivot axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first position stop 48a and the second position stop 48b are located in a plane that includes the second support portion F2 and is perpendicular to the second pivot axis A2.

The operating member 34 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating member 34 includes a positioning member 50. Here, the operating member 34 further includes another positioning member 52. The positioning member 52 has an abutment seat 52a that selectively engages the first position stop 48a to selectively establish a first predetermined position (fig. 3 and 9). In the first predetermined position (fig. 3 and 9), the positioning member 52 is engaged with the first position stop 48a and the inner wire 18 of the first cable is fully released. On the other hand, the positioning member 50 has an abutment 50a that selectively engages the second position stop 48b to selectively establish the second predetermined position (fig. 11). In the second predetermined position (fig. 11), the positioning member 50 is engaged with the second position stop 48b and the inner wire 18 of the first cable is fully pulled.

As described below, the positioning member 52 is a protrusion that engages the support 40 to assist the releasing operation of the operating member 34. Thus, the operating member 34 includes a protrusion. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion corresponds to the positioning member 52. However, the projection may be a separate member from the positioning member 52, as in the case of the second operating device 10B explained below.

Basically, as shown in fig. 9 to 11, the operating member 34 is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the support structure 32 so as to perform a pulling operation. Specifically, the operating member 34 includes a non-circular opening 54. The non-circular opening 54 is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 44b of the support 40 such that the operating member 34 pivots relative to the support structure 32 about the first pivot axis A1 to perform a pulling operation. More specifically, here, the operating member 34 includes a first pivot surface 54a configured to contact the first support portion F1 to pivot about the first pivot axis A1 during a pulling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 54 partially defines a first pivot surface 54a. In this way, when the operating member 34 is pivoted about the first pivot axis A1 to perform the pulling operation, the positioning member 50 and the positioning member 52 move along the slot 48 of the support 40 away from the first position stop 48a and toward the second position stop 48b. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning member 50 has a contact surface 50b that contacts the curved engagement surface 48c and slides along the curved engagement surface 48c when the operating member 34 is pivoted about the first pivot axis A1 to perform a pulling operation.

When the positioning member 50 is moved into engagement with the second position stop 48b, as seen in the transition from fig. 10 to fig. 11, the operating member 34 slides relative to the support 40. In particular, since the non-circular opening 54 is larger in size than the curved engagement surface 44b of the mounting member 44, the operating member 34 slides relative to the support 40. Here, the operating member 34 includes a contact surface 54b that contacts the curved engagement surface 44b to limit movement of the operating member 34 relative to the support 40. Thus, the position of the operating member 34 is maintained by the tension from the inner wire 18 of the first control cable 12, the inner wire 18 of the first control cable 12 pulling on the operating member 34, which pulls the positioning member 50 against the second position stop 48b and the contact surface 54b against the curved engagement surface 44b. In other words, the positioning member 50 is configured to engage at least one position stop (e.g., the second position stop 48 b) in response to the operating member 34 pivoting about the first pivot axis A1 in the first direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 54 is partially defined by a contact surface 54b. As described above, the first support portion F1 of the support structure 32 is defined by the curved engagement surface 44b. In this way, the first support portion F1 of the support structure 32 contacts the contact surface 54b with the positioning member 50 engaged with the at least one position stop (e.g., the second position stop 48 b).

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 12 to 14, the operating member 34 is also configured to pivot about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the support structure 32 so as to perform the releasing operation. Specifically, the operating member 34 includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second support portion F2 to pivot about the second pivot axis A2 during the releasing operation. More specifically, in the first operating device 10A, the positioning member 52 has a contact surface 52b that defines a second pivot surface. The contact surface 52b is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 48c of the support 40 such that the operating member 34 pivots relative to the support structure 32 about the second pivot axis A2 to perform a releasing operation. In any event, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion (i.e., the positioning member 52) partially defines the second pivot surface (i.e., the contact surface 52 b). In this way, when the operating member 34 is pivoted about the second pivot axis A2 to perform the releasing operation, the positioning member 50 is disengaged from the second position stop 48b. In other words, the positioning member 50 is configured to disengage the at least one position stop (e.g., the second position stop 48 b) in response to the operating member 34 pivoting about the second pivot axis A2 in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is different from the first direction D1.

After the positioning member 50 is disengaged from the second position stop 48b, the operating member 34 is again pivoted about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the support 40 as shown in fig. 13. Here, the operating member 34 includes an additional contact surface 54c. The additional contact surface 54c contacts the curved engagement surface 44b to limit movement of the operating member 34 relative to the support 40 just as the positioning member 50 disengages from the second position stop 48b or just after the positioning member 50 disengages from the second position stop 48b. As the additional contact surface 54c contacts the curved engagement surface 44b, the operating member 34 is again pivoted about the first pivot axis A1 such that the positioning member 50 of the operating member 34 engages the curved engagement surface 48c of the support 40 and the first pivot surface 54a of the operating member 34 contacts the curved engagement surface 44b of the mounting member 44 on the support 40. Moreover, such pivotal movement of the operating member 34 relative to the support 40 causes the positioning member 52 (i.e., the projection of the operating member 34) to move out of contact with the curved engagement surface 48c of the support 40.

Thus, the positioning member 50 and the positioning member 52 move along the slot 48 of the support 40 away from the second position stop 48b and toward the first position stop 48 a. Finally, after the releasing operation, the position of the operating member 34 is maintained by the tension of the inner wire 18 of the first control cable 12, the inner wire 18 of the first control cable 12 being pulled over the operating member 34, which pulls the positioning member 52 against the first position stop 48a and the contact surface 54b against the curved engagement surface 44b, as shown in fig. 9.

Here, the operating member 34 includes a lever member 56, and the lever member 56 is configured to protrude from the housing 38 such that a user can operate the lever member 56. Thus, the lever member 56 constitutes a user operation input portion of the first operation device 10A. The lever member 56 may be provided with a user operating portion 56a so that the lever member 56 can be operated more comfortably. For example, the user operating portion 56a may be made of a rubber or plastic material that covers a portion of the lever member 56. The operating member 34 also includes a base 58 that is movably supported on the mounting member 44 of the support 40. The base 58 is located inside the housing 38. The lever member 56 is integrally formed with the base 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod member 56 and the base 58 are formed as a single piece from a suitable material, such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced non-metallic material.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, the operating member 34 includes a cable attachment structure 60. Here, a cable attachment structure 60 is provided to the base 58. In this way, the operating member 34 is biased in the second direction D2 by the cable 12 to be attached to the cable attachment structure 60. Alternatively, a biasing element (e.g., a torsion spring) may be provided between the operating member 34 and the support 40.

Referring now to fig. 4, 5 and 15-31, the second operating device 10B will now be explained in more detail. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the second operating device 10B basically includes a support structure 62 and an operating member 64. An operating member 64 is movably supported on the support structure 62 for selectively operating the inner wire 26 of the selective pulling and releasing of the second control cable 14. Here, the support structure 62 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H such that the occupant can operate the operating member 64 from the handlebar H. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the support structure 62 can be configured to be mounted to other components of the human-powered vehicle V as needed and/or desired.

Here, the support structure 62 includes a handlebar attachment 66, a housing 68, and a support 70. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the support structure 62 can have other configurations as needed and/or desired in order to support the operating member 64. The handlebar attachment 66 is attached to a housing 68. The support 70 is supported by the housing 68. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the support 70 is disposed at least primarily inside the housing 68.

The handlebar attachment 66 is configured to be mounted to a handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar attachment 66 is preferably made of a strong rigid material, such as a metallic material or a reinforced resin material. Here, the handlebar attachment 66 has a handlebar clamp and a tightening bolt for tightening the handlebar clamp around the handlebar H. The handlebar clamp of handlebar attachment 66 may be any type of handlebar clamp, such as a one-piece member adjustably coupled by a take-up bolt (i.e., a non-articulating clamp), or an articulating clamp having a pair of curved jaws pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a take-up bolt. Since the handlebar attachment is a well known structure, the handlebar attachment 66 will not be discussed or illustrated in further detail.

The housing 68 covers the inner member of the second operating device 10B, which is released from the inner wire 26 to be fed out of the housing 68, and pulls the inner wire 26 into the housing 68. Here, for example, the housing 68 has a two-piece construction, including an upper housing component 68a and a lower housing component 68b that are fastened together by a plurality of screws. The upper and

lower housing components

68a, 68b are rigid members constructed of a suitable material, such as a hard plastic or a lightweight metal. However, the housing 68 can have various configurations as needed and/or desired.

The support 70 is a rigid plate member. The support 70 is a rigid member constructed of a suitable material, such as a hard molded plastic or a lightweight stamped metal. Although the support 70 is shown as a one-piece member, the support 70 may be made of several pieces coupled together. Alternatively, the support 70 may be integrally formed with a portion of the housing 68. Here, the support 60 of the support structure 62 comprises a cable guide 72. The cable guide portion 72 is configured to guide the first inner cable 26 relative to the support 70 when the operating member 64 is moved relative to the support 70. Preferably, as shown in fig. 15 to 17, the cable guide 72 has a screw hole 72a. The threaded bore 72a is configured to threadedly receive the barrel adjuster 30 (see fig. 5) to adjustably couple the barrel adjuster 30 to the support 70. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the cartridge regulator 30 can be omitted if needed and/or desired.

As shown in fig. 4, 5, and 15-17, the support 70 of the support structure 62 further includes a mounting member 74. The mounting member 74 is provided with a threaded bore 74a for receiving a threaded fastener 76 (see fig. 4) to secure the operating member 64 to the support structure 62. That is, the support 70 is connected to the upper housing component 68a by a threaded fastener 76 (e.g., a screw) such that the operating member 64 is movably mounted between the upper housing component 68a and the support 70. The mounting member 74 is provided with a curved engagement surface 74b that contacts the operating member 64 to help control movement of the operating member 64 as the operating member 64 moves relative to the support 70. Here, the curved engagement surface 74b is a cylindrical surface having a central axis coinciding with the central axis of the threaded hole 74 a. Thus, the support structure 62 comprises a first support part F3, which first support part F3 defines the first pivot axis A3. More specifically, the curved engagement surface 74b forms a first support portion F3 that defines the first pivot axis A3.

The support structure 62 includes at least one position stop. Preferably, the support structure 62 includes a slot 78 that defines at least one position stop. In the second operating device 10B, the at least one position stop portion includes a plurality of position stop portions 78a to 78e. Thus, the slot 78 defines position stops 78 a-78 e. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the support 70 includes a slot 78, the slot 78 defining position stops 78 a-78 e. The slot 78 has a stepped configuration such that the position stops 78a to 78e are positioned progressively closer to the pivot axis A3. In other words, the first position stop 78a is farther from the pivot axis A3 than the second position stop 78 b. The second position stop 78b is farther from the pivot axis A3 than the third position stop 78 c. The third position stop 78c is farther from the pivot axis A3 than the fourth position stop 78 d. The fourth position stop 78d is farther from the pivot axis A3 than the fifth position stop 78e. The position stops 78 a-78 e are selectively engaged by the operating member 64 to selectively establish one of a plurality of predetermined positions (i.e., five predetermined positions), as described below. In other words, the positioning member 80 is configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member 64 pivoting about the first pivot axis A3 in the first direction D1.

The support structure 62 also defines a curved engagement surface 79 that contacts the operating member 64 to help control movement of the operating member 64 as the operating member 64 moves relative to the support 70. Thus, the support structure 62 includes a second bearing portion F4, the second bearing portion F4 defining a second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4"'. The second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4'" is different from the first pivot axis A3. Also, the first pivot axis A3 is parallel to the second pivot axis A4 and offset from the second pivot axis A4. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved engagement surface 79 forms a second support portion F4 defining the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4"'. Here, the curved engagement surface 79 is concentrically disposed with respect to the curved engagement surface 74b. In other words, the curved engagement surface 74b and the curved engagement surface 79 have a center of curvature that coincides with the first pivot axis A3.

Also, here, the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ″ or A4 ″ is displaced along the curved engagement surface 79, depending on from which of the predetermined positions the releasing operation is performed, as shown in fig. 32. The second pivot axis A4 shown in fig. 5 and 18-31 is for releasing from the fifth predetermined position to engage the fourth predetermined position. As shown in fig. 32, the second support portion F4 defines a total of four second pivot axes A4, A4', A4 ", and A4"' that are parallel to each other and to the first pivot axis A3. The second pivot axis A4' is for releasing from the fourth predetermined position to engage the third predetermined position. The second pivot axis A4 ″ is for releasing from the third predetermined position to engage the second predetermined position. The second pivot axis A4' ″ is for releasing from the second predetermined position to engage the first predetermined position. For the sake of brevity, the second operating device 10B may be described and illustrated using only the second pivot axis A4 for releasing from the fifth predetermined position to engage the fourth predetermined position.

Unlike the first operating device 10A, here, in the second operating device 10B, at least one position stop is offset from the second bearing portion F4 in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ″ or A4 ″. In particular, the curved engagement surface 79 is not formed by the slot 78, but by a curved protrusion adjacent to the slot 78. Thus, the position stop portions 78a to 78e are located in a first plane perpendicular to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ″ or A4 ″, and the curved engagement surface 79 defining the second support portion F4 is located in a second plane parallel to the first plane. In this way, the position stop portions 78a to 78e are offset from the second support portion F4 in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ″ or A4' ″.

The operating member 64 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating member 64 includes a positioning member 80. Here, the operating member 64 further includes a protrusion 82. Unlike the first operating device 10A, here, in the second operating device 10B, the protrusion 82 is also not used as a positioning member. Instead, the protrusion 82 partially defines the second pivot surface. More specifically, in the second operating device 10B, the protrusion 82 has a contact surface 82a that defines a second pivot surface. The contact surface 82a is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 79 of the support 70 such that the operating member 64 pivots relative to the support structure 62 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4"' in order to perform a releasing operation. Thus, the contact surface 82a defines a second pivot surface.

The positioning member 80 has an abutment portion 80a that selectively engages the position stop portions 78 a-78 e to selectively establish a predetermined position (fig. 18, 21, 24, 26, and 28). In the first predetermined position (fig. 18), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 engages the first position stop 78a and the inner wire 26 of the first cable is fully released. In the second predetermined position (fig. 21), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 engages with the second position stop 78b and the inner wire 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. In the third predetermined position (fig. 24), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 engages with the third position stop 78c and the inner wire 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. In the fourth predetermined position (fig. 26), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 is engaged with the fourth position stop portion 78d, and the inner wire 26 of the first cable is partially pulled. In the fifth predetermined position (fig. 28), the abutment portion 80a of the positioning member 80 engages with the fifth position stop 78e and the inner wire 26 of the first cable is fully pulled. Thus, the position stops 78 a-78 e are selectively engaged by the positioning member 80 to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

Basically, the operating member 64 is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis A3 relative to the support structure 62 in order to perform a pulling operation. Specifically, the operating member 64 includes a non-circular opening 85. The non-circular opening 85 is configured to engage the curved engagement surface 74b of the support 70 such that the operating member 64 pivots relative to the support structure 62 about the first pivot axis A3 to perform a pulling operation. More specifically, here, the operating member 64 includes a first pivot surface 85a configured to contact the first support portion F3 to pivot about the first pivot axis A3 during a pulling operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 85 partially defines the first pivot surface 85a. In this way, when the operating member 64 is pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 to perform the pulling operation, the positioning member 80 and the positioning member 80 move along the slot 78 of the support 70 away from the first position stop 78a and toward the second position stop 78 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning member 80 has a contact surface 80b that contacts the curved engagement surface 79 and slides along the curved engagement surface 79 when the operating member 64 is pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 to perform the pulling operation.

As shown in fig. 18 to 22, during a pulling operation from the first predetermined position, the operating member 64 is first pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 and then slid relative to the support 70 such that the positioning member 80 is moved into engagement with the second position stop 78 b. In particular, since the non-circular opening 85 is larger in size than the curved engagement surface 74b of the mounting member 74, the operating member 64 slides relative to the support 70. The positioning member 80 engages the slot 78 to limit movement of the operating member 64 relative to the support 70. Similarly, as shown in fig. 22-28, for each of the subsequent pulling operations, the operating member 64 is first pivoted about the first pivot axis A3 and then slid relative to the support 70 such that the positioning member 80 is moved into engagement with the next one of the position stops 78c, 78d, or 78e.

Here, the operating member 64 includes a contact surface 85b that contacts the curved engagement surface 74b to limit movement of the operating member 64 relative to the support 70. Thus, the position of the operating member 64 is maintained by the tension from the inner wire 26 of the second control cable 14, the inner wire 26 of the second control cable 14 pulling on the operating member 64, which pulls the positioning member 80 against the second position stop 78b and the contact surface 85b against the curved engagement surface 74b. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular opening 85 is partially defined by the contact surface 85b. As described above, the first support portion F3 of the support structure 62 is defined by the curved engagement surface 74b. In this way, the first support portion F3 of the support structure 62 contacts the contact surface 85b with the positioning member 80 engaged with the at least one position stop (e.g., the second position stop 78 b).

On the other hand, the operating member 64 is also configured to pivot relative to the support structure 62 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4"' so as to perform the releasing operation. Specifically, the operating member 64 includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second bearing portion F4 to pivot about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4"' during the releasing operation. More specifically, the positioning member 80 has a contact surface 80b configured to engage the curved engagement surface 79 of the support 70 such that the operating member 64 pivots relative to the support structure 62 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4"' in order to perform the releasing operation. In this way, when the operating member 64 is pivoted about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4'" to perform the releasing operation, the positioning member 80 is disengaged from the second position stop 78 b. In other words, the positioning member 80 is configured to disengage the

position stop

78b, 78c, 78D, or 78e in response to the operating member 64 pivoting about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4"' in the second direction D2. In particular, since the non-circular opening 85 is larger in size than the curved engagement surface 74b of the mounting member 74, the operating member 64 is pivotable relative to the support 70 about the second pivot axis A4, A4', A4 ", or A4"'.

As shown in fig. 29, here, the operating member 64 includes an additional contact surface 85c. The additional contact surface 85c contacts the curved engagement surface 74b to limit movement of the operating member 64 relative to the support 70 just when the positioning member 80 is disengaged from the current-

position stop

78b, 78c, 78d or 78e or just after the positioning member 80 is disengaged from the current-

position stop

78b, 78c, 78d or 78e. Since the additional contact surface 85c contacts the curved engagement surface 74b, the operating member 64 pivots about the first pivot axis A3 in the second direction D2 again under tension from the inner wire 26 pulling on the operating member 64. Thus, the positioning member 80 moves along the slot 78 of the support 70 away from the previous position stop and toward the next position stop. Finally, after the releasing operation, the position of the operating member 64 is maintained by the tension of the inner wire 26 of the second control cable 14, and the inner wire 26 of the second control cable 14 is pulled over the operating member 64, which pulls the positioning member 80 against the current position stop and the contact surface 85b against the curved engagement surface 74b.

Here, the operating member 64 includes a lever member 86. The lever member 86 is configured to protrude from the housing 68 such that a user can operate the lever member 86. Thus, the lever member 86 constitutes a user operation input portion of the second operation device 10B. The lever member 86 may be provided with a user operating portion 86a so that the lever member 86 can be operated more comfortably. For example, the user operating portion 86a may be made of a rubber or plastic material that covers a portion of the lever member 86. The operating member 64 further includes a base 88 that is movably supported on the mounting member 74 of the support 70. The base 88 is located inside the housing 68. The lever member 86 is integrally formed with the base 88. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod member 86 and the base 88 are formed as a single piece from a suitable material, such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced non-metallic material.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 17, the operating member 64 includes a cable attachment structure 90. Here, a cable attachment structure 90 is provided to the base 88. In this way, the operating member 64 is biased in the second direction D2 by the cable 14 to be attached to the cable attachment structure 90. Alternatively, a biasing element (e.g., a torsion spring) may be provided between the operating member 64 and the support 70.

Referring now to fig. 32 and 33, a modified second operating device 110 is shown according to another embodiment. Basically, the second operating device 110 includes an operating member 164, a support 170, and a bearing member 171 defining a second bearing portion F4. Here, the operating member 164 and the support 170 are substantially the same as the operating member 64 and the support 70, respectively, as described above, except that the support member 171 is a separate component from the support 170. Thus, the operating member 164 includes a lever member 186 and a base 188. Also, similar to the second operating device 10B, the support 170 is provided with the barrel adjuster 30, and the inner wire 26 of the second control cable 14 is connected to the operating member 164. Also, the operating member 164, the support 170, and the second support portion 171 may be provided to the housing 68 and attached to the handlebar H via the handlebar attachment 66. In view of the similarity between the second operating device 10B and the second operating device 110, the same components of the second operating device 110 as those of the second operating device 10B may be omitted for the sake of brevity.

Similar to the support 70 of the second operating device 10B, the support 170 includes a mounting member 174 and a slot 178. Also, the operating member 164 includes a positioning member 180 and a protrusion 182, similar to the operating member 14 of the second operating device 10B. Here, the operating member 164 is movably mounted to the mounting member 174 of the support 170. That is, the operating member 164 includes a non-circular opening 185 that cooperates with the mounting member 174 to control movement of the operating member 164 relative to the support 170 in the same manner as the second operating device 10B. The positioning member 180 cooperates with the slot 178 of the support 170 to selectively establish a plurality of predetermined positions in the same manner as the second operating device 10B. The projection 182 cooperates with the curved engagement surface 179 of the second support portion F2 in the same manner as the projection 82 cooperates with the curved engagement surface 79 in the second operating device 10B. However, since the second bearing portion F2 is located at the opposite side of the operating member 164 from the support 170, the protrusion 182 extends away from the support 170.

Therefore, the operation of the second operating device 110 is the same as that of the second operating device 10B. Accordingly, the operation of the second operating device 110 will not be further discussed herein.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, unless otherwise specified, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "lateral" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions in the field of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) that are in an upright riding position and equipped with an operating device. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the operating device should be interpreted relative to the field of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) that are in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and are equipped with the operating device. The terms "left" and "right" are used to refer to "right" as referenced from the right when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle), and "left" as referenced from the left when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle).

As used in this disclosure, at least one of the phrases "\8230", refers to "one or more" of the desired selections. As one example, at least one of the phrases "\8230;" 8230 ";" refers to "only one single selection" or "both of two selections" if the number of selections thereof is two, as used in this disclosure. As another example, at least one of the phrases "\8230;" 8230 ";" as used in the present invention means "only one single choice" or "any combination of equal or more than two choices" if the number of choices thereof is equal to or more than three. Also, the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure means "either or both".

Also, it will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, for example, a first element discussed above could be termed a second element, and vice-versa, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The term "attached" or "attaching" as used herein encompasses the following configurations: directly attaching an element to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element; indirectly securing an element to another element by attaching the element to intermediate member(s), which in turn is attached to the other element; and one element is integral with the other element, i.e. one element is substantially a part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar import, such as "coupled," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "coupled," "secured," and derivatives thereof. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specifically stated, components shown as being directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them so long as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. Not all advantages may be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising:

a support structure comprising at least one position stop; and

an operating member configured to pivot about a first pivot axis relative to the support structure so as to perform a pulling operation, and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis different from the first pivot axis relative to the support structure so as to perform a releasing operation,

the operating member includes a positioning member configured to engage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the first pivot axis in a first direction, and the positioning member is configured to disengage the at least one position stop in response to the operating member pivoting about the second pivot axis in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction.

2. The operating device of claim 1, wherein the first pivot axis is parallel to and offset from the second pivot axis.

3. The operating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position stop comprises a plurality of position stops selectively engaged by the positioning member to define a plurality of predetermined positions.

4. The operating device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support structure comprises a first bearing defining the first pivot axis and a second bearing defining the second pivot axis.

5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein the operating member includes a first pivot surface configured to contact the first support to pivot about the first pivot axis during the pulling operation.

6. The operating device of claim 5, wherein the operating member includes a non-circular opening defined in part by the first pivot surface.

7. The operating device of claim 6, wherein the non-circular opening is defined in part by a contact surface and the first support of the support structure contacts the contact surface with the positioning member engaged with the at least one position stop.

8. The operating device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the operating member includes a second pivot surface configured to contact the second support portion to pivot about the second pivot axis during the releasing operation.

9. The operating device of claim 8, wherein the operating member includes a protrusion that partially defines the second pivot surface.

10. The operating device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the support structure comprises a slot defining the at least one position stop.

11. The operating device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the at least one position stop is at least partially aligned with the second support along a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

12. The operating device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the at least one position stop is offset from the second support in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis.

13. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the operating member includes a cable attachment structure.

14. The operating device according to claim 13, wherein the operating member is biased in the second direction by a cable to be attached to the cable attachment structure.

15. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the support structure comprises a cable guide.

16. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the operating member includes a lever member.