CN117048769A

CN117048769A - Bicycle component

Info

Publication number: CN117048769A
Application number: CN202310483893.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈俊宇; 陈俊信; 卓添贵; 刘峰勤
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2022-05-13
Filing date: 2023-04-28
Publication date: 2023-11-14
Also published as: CN117048768A; DE102022209999A1; TW202400468A; TW202344432A

Abstract

A bicycle component includes a cable attachment member, a retaining plate and a fastener. The cable attachment member includes a cable arrangement portion and an inclined surface. The fastener is configured to fasten the holding plate to the cable arrangement portion in a fastening direction, thereby holding the inner core of the cable between the cable attachment member and the holding plate. The inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction. The inclined surface at least partially overlaps the retaining plate, seen in the fastening direction.

Description

Bicycle component

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a bicycle component. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bicycle component to which a cable is attached.

Background

Many bicycles include bicycle components that are operated by cables and/or bicycle components that pull or release cables. For example, in a bicycle, cable operated bicycle components include a brake device, a shift position changing device (e.g., a derailleur), a seat tube, a suspension, and the like. A user operating member, such as a shifter, is one example of a bicycle component that pulls or releases a cable. A conventional cable for a cable operated bicycle component includes an inner wire core and an outer shell covering the inner wire core. In particular, bowden cables are typically used to operatively couple a user operating member, such as a shifter, to a bicycle component operated by the cable, such as a derailleur.

In general, the present invention is directed to various features of a bicycle component to which a cable is attached. The rear derailleur and rim brake are examples of bicycle components to which cables are attached.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the state of the known technology, and in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component includes a cable attachment member, a retaining plate and a fastener. The cable attachment member includes a cable arrangement portion and an inclined surface. The fastener is configured to fasten the holding plate to the cable arrangement portion in a fastening direction, thereby holding the inner core of the cable between the cable attachment member and the holding plate. The inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction. The inclined surface at least partially overlaps the retaining plate when viewed in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the first aspect, the inclined surface makes it possible to easily insert the inner wire core of the cable between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the first aspect is configured such that the inclined surface is at least partially disposed between the cable arrangement portion and a bicycle center plane that passes through a center of the bicycle frame in a width direction of the bicycle frame in a state in which the bicycle component is mounted on the bicycle frame.

With the bicycle component according to the second aspect, during the cable attachment operation, the inner wire core is pulled away from the bicycle center plane toward the cable arrangement portion. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be easily attached to the bicycle component using the space around the bicycle component.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component includes a cable attachment member, a retaining plate and a fastener. The cable attachment member includes a cable arrangement portion and an inclined surface. The fastener is configured to fasten the holding plate to the cable arrangement portion in a fastening direction, thereby holding the inner core of the cable between the cable attachment member and the holding plate. The inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction. The inclined surface is at least partially disposed between the cable arrangement portion and the bicycle center plane in a state in which the bicycle component is mounted on the bicycle frame. The bicycle center plane passes through the center of the bicycle frame in the width direction of the bicycle frame.

With the bicycle component according to the third aspect, the inclined surface enables the inner wire core of the cable to be easily inserted between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the first to third aspects further comprises a base member. The base member includes a housing receiving member configured to receive a housing of the cable. The outer housing receiving member includes a receiving aperture through which the inner core of the cable is to extend. The receiving bore has a receiving bore central axis. The cable attachment member is movably coupled to the base member. The cable arrangement is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface and the receiving hole central axis when viewed in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the fourth aspect, during the cable attachment operation, the inner wire core is pulled toward the cable arrangement portion and the receiving hole central axis. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be easily attached to the bicycle component using the space around the bicycle component.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component includes a base member, a cable attachment member, a retaining plate and a fastener. The base member includes a housing receiving member configured to receive a housing of the cable. The outer housing receiving member includes a receiving aperture through which the inner core of the cable is to extend. The receiving bore has a receiving bore central axis. The cable attachment member is movably coupled to the base member. The cable attachment member includes a cable arrangement portion and an inclined surface. The fastener is configured to fasten the holding plate to the cable arrangement portion in a fastening direction, thereby holding the inner core of the cable between the cable attachment member and the holding plate. The inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction. The cable arrangement is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface and the receiving hole central axis when viewed in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the fifth aspect, the inclined surface makes it easier to insert the inner wire core of the cable between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the fourth or fifth aspect further comprises a first link and a second link. The first link is pivotally coupled to the base member. The second link is pivotally coupled to the base member. The cable attachment member is coupled to the second link. The cable arrangement is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface and the first link when viewed in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the sixth aspect, the structure of the bicycle component can be applied to a device that includes the first link and the second link.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component includes a base member, a first link, a second link, a cable attachment member, a retaining plate and a fastener. The first link is pivotally coupled to the base member. The second link is pivotally coupled to the base member. The cable attachment member is coupled to the second link. The cable attachment member includes a cable arrangement portion and an inclined surface. The fastener is configured to fasten the holding plate to the cable arrangement portion in a fastening direction, thereby holding the inner core of the cable between the cable attachment member and the holding plate. The inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction. The cable arrangement is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface and the first link when viewed in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the seventh aspect, during the cable attachment operation, the inner wire core is pulled towards the cable arrangement portion and the first link. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be easily attached to the bicycle component using the space around the bicycle component.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the inclined surface is configured to guide the inner wire core toward an insertion space defined between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate.

With the bicycle component according to the eighth aspect, the inclined surface enables the inner wire core of the cable to be inserted into the insertion space more easily. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the cable attachment member includes a first stop and a second stop. The first stopper is contactable with the inner core before the inner core is inserted into the insertion space. The second stopper is contactable with the inner core when the inner core is inserted into the insertion space.

With the bicycle component according to the ninth aspect, the first and second stops allow the inner wire core to be positioned at a predetermined position relative to the cable attachment member. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the fourth or fifth aspect is configured such that the cable attachment member includes a first stop and a second stop. The first stopper is contactable with the inner core before the inner core is inserted into an insertion space defined between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate. The second stopper is contactable with the inner core when the inner core is inserted into the insertion space. The second stop is at least partially disposed between the receiving bore central axis and the first stop when viewed in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the tenth aspect, when the inner wire core is inserted into the insertion space, the inner wire core is pulled toward the second stopper and the receiving hole central axis. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component using the space around the bicycle component.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the eighth to tenth aspects is configured such that the first stop comprises a first protrusion. The second stop includes a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion. The first protrusion and the second protrusion define a cable passage between the first protrusion and the second protrusion through which an inner core of the cable is to extend.

With the bicycle component according to the eleventh aspect, the inner wire core of the cable can be easily positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion through the cable channel.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured such that the retaining plate has a contour as viewed in the fastening direction. The inclined surface is located partly outside the contour of the retaining plate when seen in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the twelfth aspect, the inclined surface makes it easier to insert the inner wire core of the cable between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the retaining plate has an annular shape when viewed in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the thirteenth aspect, the shape of the retaining plate can be simplified, thereby saving manufacturing costs of the bicycle component.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is configured such that the cable arrangement portion includes a cable arrangement groove that extends at least partially in a straight line.

With the bicycle component according to the fourteenth aspect, the inner wire core of the cable can be easily disposed in the cable arrangement groove during the cable attaching operation.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the fastener has a fastener center axis extending along a fastening direction. The fastener extends along a fastener central axis. The inclined surface includes an inner end and an outer end. The inner end portion is disposed closer to the fastener central axis than the outer end portion, as seen in the fastening direction. The inclined surface is inclined from the inner end toward the outer end to increase a distance defined between the holding plate and the inclined surface in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the fifteenth aspect, the inclined surface enables the inner wire core of the cable to be inserted between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate more easily. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the inclined surface includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface. The first inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction. The second inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction and the first inclined surface.

With the bicycle component according to the sixteenth aspect, by arranging the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface in appropriate positions, the inclined surfaces can be adapted to the movement of the inner wire core. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the fastener has a fastener central axis extending along the fastening direction. The fastener extends along a fastener central axis. The first inclined surface includes a first inner end and a first outer end. The first inner end is disposed closer to the fastener central axis than the first outer end, as seen in the fastening direction. The first inclined surface is inclined from the first inner end toward the first outer end to increase a first distance defined between the holding plate and the first inclined surface in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the seventeenth aspect, the first inclined surface enables the inner wire core of the cable to be inserted between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate more easily. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the seventeenth aspect is configured such that the second inclined surface includes a second inner end and a second outer end. The second inner end portion is disposed closer to the fastener central axis than the second outer end portion, as seen in the fastening direction. The second inclined surface is inclined from the second inner end toward the second outer end to increase a second distance defined between the holding plate and the second inclined surface in the fastening direction.

With the bicycle component according to the eighteenth aspect, the second inclined surface enables the inner wire core of the cable to be inserted between the cable attachment member and the retaining plate more easily. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that the first inclined surface is inclined in a first inclined direction from the first inner end to the first outer end when viewed in the fastening direction. The second inclined surface is inclined in a second inclined direction from the second inner end portion to the second outer end portion when viewed in the fastening direction. The cable arrangement portion includes a cable arrangement groove extending in an extending direction. At least one of the first oblique direction and the second oblique direction is not parallel and not perpendicular to the extending direction.

With the bicycle component according to the nineteenth aspect, by arranging the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface in appropriate positions, the inclined surfaces can be made more suitable for movement of the inner wire core. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects is configured such that the inclined surface includes a ridgeline disposed between the first and second inclined surfaces.

With the bicycle component according to the twentieth aspect, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface can be arranged in adjacent positions.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the sixteenth to twentieth aspects is configured such that the first inclined surface is inclined at a first inclination angle with respect to the reference plane. The reference plane is perpendicular to the fastening direction. The second inclined surface is inclined at a second inclination angle with respect to the reference surface. The first angle of inclination is different from the second angle of inclination.

With the bicycle component according to the twenty-first aspect, by arranging the first and second inclined surfaces in the proper positions, the inclined surfaces can be made more suitable for the movement of the inner wire core. Thus, the inner wire core of the cable can be more easily attached to the bicycle component.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component according to any one of the first to twenty-first aspects further comprises a chain guide contactable with the chain.

With the bicycle component according to the twenty-second aspect, the structure of the bicycle component can be applied to a device that includes a chain guide.

Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle component will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the bicycle component.

Drawings

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle derailleur (i.e., a bicycle component) with a cable attachment structure in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a contour view of the bicycle equipped with the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1 as seen in a longitudinal direction from the front of the bicycle to illustrate a bicycle center plane that vertically bisects the bicycle frame of the bicycle.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inner link of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the cable attachment structure of the inner link shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is another enlarged perspective view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 4 and 5.

Fig. 7 is another enlarged perspective view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 4-6.

Fig. 8 is an isometric view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 4-7.

Fig. 9 is another isometric view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 4-8.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the cable attachment structure as shown in fig. 4-9.

Fig. 11 is a further exploded perspective view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 4-10.

Fig. 12 is a still further exploded perspective view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 4-11.

Fig. 13 is an isometric view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 4-12.

Fig. 14 is an exploded isometric view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an initial step of coupling a cable to the inner link shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the inner link cable and cable attachment structure shown in fig. 16 showing an initial step of coupling the cable to the inner link.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view similar to fig. 16, of a subsequent step of coupling the cable to the inner link.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the inner link cable and cable attachment structure shown in fig. 18 showing a subsequent step in coupling the cable to the inner link.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view similar to fig. 16 and 18, of a subsequent step of coupling the cable to the inner link.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the inner link cable and cable attachment structure shown in fig. 20 showing a subsequent step in coupling the cable to the inner link.

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a modified cable attachment structure for coupling a cable to an inner link of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of another modified cable attachment structure for coupling a cable to a modified inner link for the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of yet another modified cable attachment structure for coupling a cable to another modified inner link for the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of a bicycle rim brake (i.e., a bicycle component) with a cable attachment structure in accordance with another illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of a portion of the bicycle rim brake illustrated in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the bicycle rim brake illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26.

Fig. 28 is an enlarged isometric view of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 4-8.

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a bicycle derailleur (i.e., a bicycle component) with a cable attachment structure in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a contour view of the bicycle equipped with the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 29 as seen from the front of the bicycle in the longitudinal direction to illustrate a bicycle center plane that vertically bisects the bicycle frame of the bicycle.

FIG. 31 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the cable attachment structure of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a plan view of the cable attachment member of the cable attachment structure of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of the cable attachment structure of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 31.

Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the cable attachment structure taken along line XXXV-XXXV of fig. 34.

Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the cable attachment structure taken along line xxxv-xxxv of fig. 34.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of the cable attachment structure of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 31, showing movement of the inner wire core of the cable.

Fig. 38 is a side elevational view of the base of the cable attachment member of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 32.

Fig. 39 is a plan view of the base of the cable attachment member of the cable attachment structure shown in fig. 32.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the cable attachment structure taken along the XL-XL line of FIG. 34.

Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the cable attachment structure taken along the XLI-XLI line of fig. 34.

FIG. 42 is a rear elevational view of the bicycle derailleur illustrated in FIG. 29.

Fig. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the cable attachment structure for illustrating the cable attachment operation.

Fig. 44 is a cross-sectional view of the cable attachment structure for illustrating the cable attachment operation.

Detailed Description

It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle 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 initially to fig. 1-3, a bicycle component 10 is illustrated that is equipped with a cable attachment structure 12 for attaching a cable 14 thereto in accordance with a first embodiment. Here, in FIG. 1, the bicycle component 10 includes a bicycle derailleur 16. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 16 is a cable operated derailleur that is coupled to a shifter (i.e., an operating member) via the cable 14. However, the cable attachment structure 12 can be applied to other bicycle components.

Referring to FIG. 2, a contour view of a bicycle B equipped with a bicycle derailleur 16 is illustrated as seen in a longitudinal direction from the front of the bicycle B to show a bicycle center plane CP that vertically bisects the bicycle frame F of the bicycle B. The bicycle center plane CP passes through the center of the bicycle frame F in the width direction of the bicycle frame F. The bicycle center plane CP separates the left side from the right side of the bicycle B. The following directional terms "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "lateral", "longitudinal", "upward" and "downward" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions as determined on the basis of a rider sitting upright on the seat S of bicycle B while facing the handlebar H of bicycle B.

As seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle derailleur 16 includes a cable attachment structure 12 for connecting a cable 14 to the cable attachment structure 12. Here, the cable 14 is a conventional bowden cable. Thus, the cable 14 includes an outer jacket 14a and an inner core 14b. The inner wire core 14b is operable by a shifter (i.e., a user operated type of bicycle component) to shift the bicycle derailleur 16 between gear shift stage positions by operation of the shifter.

The bicycle derailleur 16 further includes a base member 20, a movable member 22 and a linking member 24. The base member 20 is configured to be mounted to a bicycle B by a derailleur fastener 26 (e.g., a set bolt). In particular, the bicycle derailleur 16 is fixed to the rear of the bicycle frame F by a derailleur fastener 26 in a conventional manner. The movable member 22 is movably coupled to the base member 20 to move in a lateral direction relative to the bicycle frame F. In particular, the link member 24 movably couples the movable member 22 to the base member 20. The base member 20 has a housing receiving member 28 for receiving the housing 14a of the cable 14. The inner core 14b of the cable 14 passes through the outer housing receiving member 28 and is connected to the cable attachment structure 12. The cable attachment structure 12 is provided to the link member 24.

The base member 20 is a rigid member made of a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced plastic material. Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the base member 20 is integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member. The base member 20 is configured to be pivotally mounted to a bicycle frame F about a first pivot axis P1 by a derailleur fastener 26. Here, for example, the base member 20 is directly mounted to the suspension portion of the bicycle frame F by a derailleur fastener 26 that forms a B-axle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the link member 24 includes an inner link 30 and an outer link 32. In a state in which the base member 20 is mounted to the bicycle center plane CP, the outer link 32 is partially positioned farther from the bicycle center plane CP than the inner link 30. In other words, the inner link 30 is positioned closer to the bicycle center plane CP than the outer link 32 in a state in which the base member 20 is mounted to the bicycle center plane CP. The inner link 30 is pivotally coupled to the base member 20 by a first pivot pin 34 (see FIG. 3) and is pivotally coupled to the movable member 22 by a second pivot pin 36. The outer link 32 is pivotally coupled to the base member 20 by a third pivot pin 38 and to the movable member 22 by a fourth pivot pin 40. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that other structures may be used as needed and/or desired for attaching the base member 20 to the movable member 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 16 further includes a biasing element 42 that biases the movable member 22 toward the highest gear relative to the base member 20. As used herein, the term "highest gear" refers to the bicycle derailleur 16 being in an operating position corresponding to the bicycle chain being directed to the smallest sprocket of the bicycle B located furthest from the center plane of the bicycle frame F. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 42 is a helical extension spring having a first end connected to the third pivot pin 38 and a second end connected to a pin 44 disposed on the inner link 30 proximate the second pivot pin 36. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the bicycle derailleur 16 can be provided with a biasing element that biases the movable member 22 toward a low gear relative to the base member 20.

The movable member 22 is a rigid member made of a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced plastic material. As described above, the movable member 22 is movably coupled to the base member 20 by the link member 24. The bicycle component 10 further includes a chain guide 46 that is contactable with the chain. The chain guide 46 is pivotally mounted to the movable member 22 such that the chain guide 46 can pivot about the second pivot axis P2. The chain guide 46 basically includes a first chain cage plate 48 and a second chain cage plate 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the first chain cage plate 48 is an outer chain cage plate. The first chaincage plate 48 may be an inner chaincage plate. Further, here, the chain guide 46 also includes a guide pulley 52 and a tension pulley 54. The guide pulley 52 and the tension pulley 54 are rotatably disposed between the first and second chain cage plates 48, 50. The first and second chain cage plates 48 and 50 define a chain receiving slot for receiving a bicycle chain.

As shown in fig. 1 and 3, the cable attachment structure 12 is provided to the link member 24. More specifically, the cable attachment structure 12 is provided to the inner link 30. The cable attachment structure 12 of the bicycle component 10 basically includes a fixing member 60, a fixing plate 62 and a fastening member 64. Here, the link member 24 includes a fixing member 60. More specifically, the inner link 30 includes a fixing member 60. The fastening member 64 is configured to fasten the fixing plate 62 to the fixing member 60 in the fastening direction D. Here, as shown in fig. 10-12, the fastening member 64 includes a bolt, wherein the bolt has a head 64a and a shank 64b defining a bolt axis a. The securing member 60 may also be referred to as a cable attachment member 60. The securing plate 62 may also be referred to as a retaining plate 62. The fastening member 64 may also be referred to as a fastener 64.

Basically, the fixing member 60 includes a base portion 66 and a receiving portion 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner link 30 and the base portion 66 are integrally formed as a single piece, while the receiving portion 68 is a separate piece attached to the inner link 30 by the fastening member 64. In this way, the base portion 66 is made of a first material and the receiving portion 68 is made of a second material. The first material is different from the second material. In this way, the first material may be a lightweight material, while the second material may be particularly suitable for accommodating the fastening members 64. For example, a resin material may be used as the first material. Further, for example, a metal material may be used as the second material.

The base portion 66 has a through hole or recess. The receiving portion 68 is at least partially located in the through hole and non-rotatably engages the through hole or recess. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 66 has a through hole 66a, and the receiving portion 68 is at least partially located in the through hole 66a and non-rotatably engaged with the through hole 66 a. The through bore 66a is preferably non-circular for non-rotatably engaging the receiving portion 68. For example, as shown, the through hole 66a may be substantially square when viewed from the fastening direction D. Alternatively, the through hole 66a may have an elliptical shape, a star shape, a regular polygon shape, an irregular polygon shape, or the like, as seen in the fastening direction D.

The fixing member 60 further includes a cable arrangement portion 70. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, a cable arrangement 70 is provided to the base portion 66. Preferably, the cable arrangement 70 includes a groove 72. More preferably, the grooves 72 include a first groove 72a and a second groove 72b. Here, as shown in fig. 5, the cable attachment member 60 includes a first stopper 173 and a second stopper 174. The fixing member 60 includes two protrusions 74, the two protrusions 74 defining a first groove 72a therebetween. The two protrusions 74 include a first protrusion 74a and a second protrusion 74b. The first protrusion 74a and the second protrusion 74b define a first groove 72a therebetween. The first stopper 173 includes a first protrusion 74a. The second stopper 174 includes a second protrusion 74b spaced apart from the first protrusion 74a. The first groove 72a may also be referred to as a cable channel 72a. The first and second protrusions 74a, 74b define a cable channel 72a between the first and second protrusions 74a, 74b through which the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 is to extend. The second stopper 174 includes a third protrusion 74c. The third protrusion 74c is adjacent to the second groove 72b, with no additional grooves between the third protrusion 74c and the second groove 72b. The third protrusion 74c may contact the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 to limit movement of the inner wire core 14b beyond the second groove 72b during the cable attachment operation.

The second trench 72b is a recess extending from the through hole 66a. Preferably, the first grooves 72a are wider than the second grooves 72 b. In this way, during the cable attachment operation, the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 can be easily inserted into the first groove 72 a. The first groove 72a is offset from the fixing plate 62. The second groove 72b overlaps the fixing plate 62 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The first groove 72a is arranged with respect to the second groove 72b such that the cable 14 can be arranged in the first groove 72a in a state where the cable 14 is not arranged in the second groove 72 b. The second groove 72b is arranged with respect to the fixing plate 62 and the fixing member 60 such that a portion of the cable 14 in the second groove 72b is sandwiched between the fixing plate 62 and the fixing member 60 in a state where the cable 14 is arranged in the first groove 72a and the second groove 72 b.

Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 68 has a threaded bore 68a configured to engage the shank portion 64b of the fastening member 64. The shank portion 64b of the fastening member 64 is threaded into the threaded bore 68a for coupling the fixing plate 62 to the fixing member 60. The receiving portion 68 further includes an end flange 68b, a non-circular peripheral surface 68c, and a cable receiving groove 68d. The groove 72 includes a cable receiving groove 68d. The size of the end flange 68b is larger than the cross-sectional size of the through-hole 66a such that the receiving portion 68 cannot pass completely through the through-hole 66a. Thus, the end flange 68b abuts the base portion 66 of the securing member 60 to prevent the receiving portion 68 from passing completely through the through hole 66a. The non-circular peripheral surface 68c of the receiving portion 68 is configured to mate with the through-hole 66a of the base portion 66 of the securing member 60 to prevent rotation of the receiving portion 68 relative to the base portion 66. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular outer peripheral surface 68c of the receiving portion 68 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the fastening direction D. Alternatively, the receiving portion 68 may have an elliptical shape, a star shape, a regular polygon shape, an irregular polygon shape, or the like, as viewed from the fastening direction D. In any event, the receiving portion 68 must cooperate with the through bore 66a to prevent rotation of the receiving portion 68 relative to the base portion 66. The cable-receiving groove 68d is sized to receive the inner wire core 14b. Thus, the cable receiving groove 68d is aligned with the second groove 72 b. Preferably, as shown in fig. 15, the cable receiving groove 68d has one or more protrusions protruding from the bottom of the cable receiving groove 68d. Here, the cable receiving groove 68d has two protrusions 68d1 protruding from the bottom of the cable receiving groove 68d. The protrusion 68d1 is configured to engage with the inner wire core 14b. In this way, the inner core 14b is fixedly held between the fixing plate 62 and the receiving portion 68.

Basically, the fixing plate 62 includes a fixing portion 76 and an extension portion 78. The fixing portion 76 has an opening 76a for receiving the stem portion 64b of the fastening member 64 therethrough. The receiving portion 68 receives the fixing portion 76 of the fixing plate 62 in a state where the fastening member 64 fastens the fixing plate 62 to the fixing member 60. The extension 78 extends from the fixing portion 76, thereby forming a space 80 between the fixing member 60 and the extension 78 of the fixing plate 62. Preferably, the extension portion 78 includes an inclined portion 78a inclined with respect to the fixing portion 76. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the extension 78 need not be inclined to form the space 80. Instead, the extension 78 may have a stepped portion that forms a space 80. In any event, the space 80 is configured to receive the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 during a cable attachment operation. Once the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 is located in the space 80 between the securing member 60 and the extension 78, the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 can be easily moved under the securing portion 76 to the cable arrangement portion 70. In this way, the fixing portion 76 is configured to sandwich the cable 14 between the fixing portion 76 and the fixing member 60 in a state where the cable 14 is arranged at the cable arrangement portion 70.

As shown in fig. 5, the extension 78 includes an overlapping portion 78a1 that overlaps the cable arrangement portion 70 when viewed from the fastening direction D. Specifically, the extension 78 includes an overlapping portion 78a1 that overlaps the groove 72 when viewed from the fastening direction D. Preferably, the extension 78 further includes a deviating portion 78a2 that deviates from the cable arrangement 70 when seen from the fastening direction D. The offset portion 78a2 is located outside the cable arrangement portion 70 in the radial direction with respect to the bolt axis a.

Preferably, the fixing plate 62 includes an anti-rotation portion 82 extending from the fixing portion 76 in the first direction R2. The extension portion 78 extends from the fixing portion 76 in a second direction R1 different from the first direction R2. For example, the first direction R2 is substantially parallel to the fastening direction D. Further, for example, the second direction R1 is angled with respect to the fastening direction D. In the illustrated embodiment, the second direction R1 is at an angle of about forty-five degrees relative to the fastening direction D. In addition, the anti-rotation portion 82 is located on the second side of the fixed portion 76, and the extension portion 78 is located on the first side of the fixed portion 76. The first side of the securing portion 76 faces toward the head portion 64a of the fastening member 64, while the second side of the securing portion 76 faces away from the head portion 64a. Here, the rotation preventing portion 82 is located at a position opposite to the inclined portion 78a with respect to the fastening member 64.

As shown in fig. 9, the cable attachment member 60 includes an inclined surface 176. The inclined surface 176 is configured to guide the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 toward the second groove 72b and the cable receiving groove 68d (see, e.g., fig. 11). The inclined surface 176 is inclined with respect to the fastening direction D. The inclined surface 176 is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction D. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 66 includes an inclined surface 176.

As shown in fig. 5, the holding plate 62 has a contour OL1 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The contour OL1 is indicated in fig. 5 by a thickened chain double-dashed line.

The inclined surface 176 is partially located outside the contour OL1 of the holding plate 62 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The inclined surface 176 partially overlaps the holding plate 62 when viewed in the fastening direction D. However, the inclined surfaces 176 may all be located outside the contour OL1 of the holding plate 62 when viewed in the fastening direction D.

As shown in fig. 28, the inclined surface 176 includes an inner end 176a and an outer end 176b. The inner end 176a is disposed closer to the fastener central axis a than the outer end 176b when viewed in the fastening direction D.

The inclined surface 176 is inclined from the inner end 176a toward the outer end 176b to increase a distance DS3 defined between the holding plate 62 and the inclined surface 176 in the fastening direction D.

As shown in fig. 17 and 19, the inclined surface 176 is configured to guide the inner core 14b toward the insertion space SP1 defined between the cable attachment member 60 and the holding plate 62. The inclined surface 176 is configured to guide the inner core 14b when the inner core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP 1. For example, an insertion space SP1 is defined between the inclined surface 176 and the holding plate 62 in the fastening direction D.

As shown in fig. 16, the first stopper 173 may be in contact with the inner wire core 14b before the inner wire core 14b is inserted into an insertion space SP1 (see, for example, fig. 28) defined between the cable attachment member 60 and the holding plate 62. As shown in fig. 18, when the inner core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP1, the second stopper 174 may contact the inner core 14b. As shown in fig. 16, the first protrusion 74a may contact the inner core 14b before the inner core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP 1. As shown in fig. 18, when the inner core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP1, the second protrusion 74b may contact the inner core 14b. The third protrusion 74c may contact the inner wire core 14b to restrict the movement of the inner wire core 14b beyond the second groove 72b in a state where the inner wire core 14b is located in the second groove 72b.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a modified cable attachment structure is illustrated for coupling the cable 14 to the inner link 30 of the bicycle derailleur 16. Here, the modified cable attachment structure includes a fixing member 60, a fixing plate 62, and a fastening member 64. However, in this modification, the fixing member 60 includes a receiving portion 88 having a non-threaded hole 88a. Similar to the previous embodiment, the receiving portion 88 is non-rotatably received in the through hole 66a of the base portion 66. Further, the modified cable attachment structure of the bicycle component 10 further includes a nut 90, the nut 90 having a threaded bore 90a configured to engage the lever portion 64 b. Thus, the securing member 60 includes a nut 90 for attaching the securing plate 62 to the securing member 60 via the fastening member 64.

Referring now to FIG. 23, another modified cable attachment structure is illustrated for coupling the cable 14 to a modified inner link 30' that can be used in place of the inner link 30 of the bicycle derailleur 16. Here, the modified cable attachment structure includes the modified fixing member 60' and the fixing plate 62 and the fastening member 64 of the previous embodiment. In this modification, the fixing member 60' does not include a receiving portion. Instead, the securing member 60 'includes the nut 90 of the previous variation, and the securing member 60' has a modified base portion 66 'with a non-threaded through hole 66a' for receiving the stem portion 64b of the securing member 64. Thus, the securing member 60 'includes a nut 90 for attaching the securing plate 62 to the securing member 60' via the fastening member 64.

Referring now to FIG. 24, another modified cable attachment structure is illustrated for coupling the cable 14 to a modified inner link 30″ that can be used in place of the inner link 30 of the bicycle derailleur 16. Here, the modified cable attachment structure includes the modified fixing member 60″ as well as the fixing plate 62 and the fastening member 64 of the previous embodiment. In this modification, the fixing member 60″ does not include a receiving portion. Instead, the securing member 60 "includes a modified base portion 66" having a threaded through hole 66a "for threadably receiving the stem portion 64b of the securing member 64.

Referring now to fig. 25-27, a bicycle rim brake 110 (i.e., a bicycle component) with a cable attachment structure 112 in accordance with another illustrated embodiment will now be explained. Basically, the bicycle rim brake 110 is operated by a cable 114, with the cable 114 having an outer shell 114a covering an inner wire core 114b. The cable attachment structure 112 is attached to an inner wire core 114b of the cable 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 114 is a bowden cable in which an inner wire core 114b is slidably received within an outer housing 114a. The bicycle operating device operates the bicycle rim brake 110 by selectively pulling and releasing the inner wire core 114b. In this way, the bicycle rim brake 110 selectively applies a braking force to the bicycle rim of the bicycle wheel W.

Here, the bicycle rim brake 110 is directly mounted to a bicycle frame F (e.g., a front fork) of the bicycle B via a first fixing bolt 116 and a second fixing bolt 118. More specifically, the bicycle rim brake 110 further includes a first brake arm 120 and a second brake arm 122. The first brake arm 120 is pivotally mounted to the bicycle frame F by a first fixing bolt 116, while the second brake arm 122 is pivotally mounted to the bicycle frame F by a second fixing bolt 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle rim brake 110 is a symmetrical dual pivot rim (caliper) brake, which is a direct-mounted brake caliper. However, the cable attachment structure 112 may be used with other types of rim (caliper) brakes, such as single pivot rim (caliper) brakes and indirectly mounted dual pivot rim (caliper) brakes. Further, the cable attachment structure 112 can be used with any other type of bicycle component, such as a mechanical disc brake caliper, an inner hub gear, and the like.

The first brake arm 120 includes a first brake shoe attachment structure 120a and a housing receiving structure 120b. The second brake arm 122 includes a second brake shoe attachment structure 122a and a base portion 122b. The bicycle rim brake 110 further includes a pair of brake shoes 124, each brake shoe 124 including a friction member 126. Brake shoe 124 is adjustably attached to first brake shoe attachment structure 120a and second brake shoe attachment structure 122a by a pair of attachment bolts 128. Here, the housing receiving structure 120b is provided with a barrel adjuster 130 that adjusts an end position of an end of the housing 114a of the cable 114.

Basically, the bicycle operating device operates the bicycle rim brake 110 by selectively pulling and releasing the inner wire core 114b to rotate the first and second brake arms 120 and 122. In this way, the friction members 126 of the bicycle rim brake 110 contact the bicycle rim to apply a braking force thereto. Since rim brakes are well known, conventional components of the bicycle rim brake 110 will not be discussed in detail herein for the sake of brevity.

Here, the cable attachment structure 112 is integrated into the cable adjuster 138, the cable adjuster 138 being attached to the base portion 122b of the second brake arm 122. The cable adjuster 138 basically includes a first member 134 and a second member 136. The cable attachment structure 112 is rotatably supported on the first member 134. Basically, the first member 134 is configured to be rotatably mounted to the base portion 122b about a first axis, while the second member 136 is attached to the first member 134 to rotate relative to the first member 134 about a second axis offset from and parallel to the first axis. The cable adjuster 138 further includes a threaded fastener 140, the threaded fastener 140 attaching the cable attachment structure 112 to the first member 134 to enable rotation of the cable attachment structure 112 relative to the first member 134. The threaded fastener 140 also attaches the second member 136 to the first member 134. Here, the cable attachment structure 112 is secured to the base portion 122b of the second brake arm 122 by a threaded fastener 140. Alternatively, the cable attachment structure 112 may be formed in part by the base portion 122b of the second brake arm 122, as described below.

The cable attachment structure 112 is substantially identical to the cable attachment structure 12 described above, except that the cable attachment structure 112 is integrated into a cable adjuster of a brake device (e.g., bicycle rim brake 110). The cable attachment structure 112 basically includes a fixing member 160, a fixing plate 162 and a fastening member 164. Here, the fixing member 160 is fixed to the base portion 122b of the second brake arm 122 by the threaded fastener 140, and is provided to the cable adjuster 138. Alternatively, the cable adjuster 138 and the threaded fastener 140 may be omitted, and the securing member 160 may be an integral component of the base portion 122b of the second brake arm 122.

Here, the fixing plate 162 and the fastening member 164 are the same as the fixing plate 62 and the fastening member 64. The fixing member 160 may be configured to be coupled to the fastening member 164 using a receiving portion having a threaded hole as shown in fig. 12. Alternatively, the securing member 160 may be configured similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 22 using a receiving portion with a non-threaded bore and a nut coupled to the fastening member 164. Alternatively, the fixing member 160 may be configured to be coupled to the fastening member 164 using a nut, similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 23, without using a receiving portion. Alternatively, the fixing member 160 may be configured to be coupled to the fastening member 164 by providing the fixing member 160 with a screw hole similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 24.

The bicycle component 210 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to fig. 29 to 44. The bicycle component 210 has the same structure and/or configuration as the bicycle component 10, except for the cable attachment structure 12. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as those of the first embodiment will be referred to herein by the same reference numerals and will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein for the sake of brevity.

As seen in fig. 29, the bicycle component 210 includes a cable attachment structure 212 for attaching the cable 14 thereto. Here, in FIG. 29, the bicycle component 210 includes a bicycle derailleur 216. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 216 is a cable operated derailleur that is coupled to a shifter (i.e., an operating member) via the cable 14. However, the cable attachment structure 212 can be applied to other bicycle components.

The bicycle derailleur 216 includes a cable attachment structure 212 for attaching the cable 14 thereto. The inner wire core 14b is operable by a shifter (i.e., a user operated type of bicycle component) to shift the bicycle derailleur 216 between shift stage positions by operation of the shifter.

Referring to FIG. 30, a contour view of a bicycle B equipped with a bicycle derailleur 216 is illustrated as seen in a longitudinal direction from the front of the bicycle B to show a bicycle center plane CP that vertically bisects the bicycle frame F of the bicycle B. The bicycle center plane CP passes through the center of the bicycle frame F in the width direction of the bicycle frame F. The bicycle center plane CP separates the left side from the right side of the bicycle B. The following directional terms "forward", "rearward", "left", "right", "lateral", "longitudinal", "upward" and "downward" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions as determined on the basis of a rider sitting upright on the seat S of bicycle B while facing the handlebar H of bicycle B.

As seen in FIG. 29, the bicycle derailleur 216 has a structure that is substantially identical to the structure of the bicycle derailleur 16 described in the first embodiment. The cable attachment structure 212 has substantially the same structure as the cable attachment structure 12 described in the first embodiment.

The bicycle component 210 includes a base member 220. The base member 220 has substantially the same structure as the base member 20 described in the first embodiment. The base member 220 is configured to be mounted to a bicycle frame F by a derailleur fastener 26 (e.g., a set bolt). In particular, the bicycle component 210 is fixed to the rear of the bicycle frame F by a derailleur fastener 26 in a conventional manner.

The bicycle component 210 includes a movable member 222. The movable member 222 has substantially the same structure as the movable member 22 described in the first embodiment. The movable member 222 is movably coupled to the base member 220 to move in a lateral direction relative to the bicycle frame F.

The bicycle component 210 includes a linking member 224. The link member 224 movably couples the movable member 222 and the base member 220 relative to each other. The link member 224 has substantially the same structure as the link member 24 described in the first embodiment. The base member 220 includes a housing receiving member 28 configured to receive the housing 14a of the cable 14. The inner core 14b of the cable 14 passes through the outer housing receiving member 28 and is connected to the cable attachment structure 212. The cable attachment structure 212 is disposed to the link member 224.

The link member 224 includes a first link 232 and a second link 230. That is, the bicycle component 210 includes a first link 232 and a second link 230. The first link 232 is pivotally coupled to the base member 220. The second link 230 is pivotally coupled to the base member 220. The first link 232 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 222. The second link 230 is pivotally coupled to the movable member 222. The first link 232 has substantially the same structure as the structure of the outer link 32 described in the first embodiment. The second link 230 has substantially the same structure as the inner link 30 described in the first embodiment. Thus, the outer link 32 may also be referred to as a first link 32. The inner link 30 may also be referred to as a second link 30. The first link 232 may also be referred to as an outer link 232. The second link 230 may also be referred to as an inner link 230.

The base member 220 is a rigid member made of a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced plastic material. Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the base member 220 is integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member. The base member 220 is configured to be pivotally mounted to the bicycle frame F about a first pivot axis P1 by the derailleur fastener 26. Here, for example, the base member 220 is directly mounted to the suspension portion of the bicycle frame F via the derailleur fastener 26 forming the B-axle.

The movable member 222 is a rigid member made of a suitable material such as a metallic material or a fiber reinforced plastic material. As described above, the movable member 222 is movably coupled to the base member 220 by the link member 224. The bicycle component 210 also includes a chain guide 246 that is contactable with the chain. The chain guide 246 is pivotally mounted to the movable member 222 such that the chain guide 246 can pivot about the second pivot axis P2. The chain guide 246 basically includes a first chain cage plate 248 and a second chain cage plate 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the first chaincage plate 248 is an outer chaincage plate. The first chaincage plate 248 may be an inner chaincage plate. Further, here, the chain guide 246 also includes a guide pulley 52 and a tension pulley 54. The guide pulley 52 and the tension pulley 54 are rotatably disposed between the first chain cage plate 248 and the second chain cage plate 250. The first and second chain cage plates 248 and 250 define chain receiving slots for receiving a bicycle chain.

As shown in fig. 31, in the illustrated embodiment, the first link 232 is partially positioned farther from the bicycle center plane CP than the second link 230 in the state where the base member 220 is mounted to the bicycle frame F. In other words, the second link 230 is positioned closer to the bicycle center plane CP than the first link 232 in the state that the base member 220 is mounted to the bicycle frame F. The second link 230 is pivotally coupled to the base member 220 by the first pivot pin 34 and to the movable member 222 by the second pivot pin 36. The first link 232 is pivotally coupled to the base member 220 by the third pivot pin 38 and to the movable member 222 by the fourth pivot pin 40. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that other structures may be used for attaching the base member 220 to the movable member 222 as needed and/or desired.

The chain guide 246 is movable relative to the base member 220 between the top shift position P31 and the low shift position P32. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle derailleur 216 further includes a biasing element 42 that biases the movable member 222 toward the highest gear P31 relative to the base member 220. As used herein, the term "highest gear" refers to the bicycle derailleur 216 being in an operating position corresponding to the smallest sprocket of the bicycle chain that is directed to the bicycle B that is located furthest from the center plane of the bicycle frame F. For example, in a state in which the bicycle component 210 defines a highest gear ratio in the bicycle B, the chain guide 246 is located in the highest gear position P31. The gear ratio is defined by the total number of teeth of the front sprocket that engages the bicycle chain divided by the total number of teeth of the rear sprocket that engages the bicycle chain. In the lowest gear ratio state of the bicycle component 210, the chain guide 246 is positioned in the low gear P32. The bicycle component 210 has at least two gears including a highest gear P31 and a low gear P32. The chain guide 246 is configured to be positioned at each of at least two shift positions by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, biasing element 42 is a coiled extension spring having a first end connected to pin 43 disposed on second link 230 and a second end connected to pin 44 disposed on first link 232 proximate second pivot pin 36. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the bicycle derailleur 216 can be provided with a biasing element that biases the movable member 222 toward the low gear P32 relative to the base member 220.

As shown in fig. 31, the cable attachment structure 212 includes a cable attachment member 260. That is, the bicycle component 210 includes a cable attachment member 260. The cable attachment member 260 corresponds to the fixing member 60 of the first embodiment. Thus, the securing member 60 may also be referred to as a cable attachment member 60.

The cable attachment structure 212 is disposed to the link member 224. More specifically, the cable attachment member 260 is coupled to the second link 230. The cable attachment member 260 is disposed to the second link 230. That is, the cable attachment member 260 is movably coupled to the base member 220. The cable attachment member 260 is pivotally coupled to the base member 220 by the first pivot pin 34. However, the cable attachment member 260 may be provided to the first link 232. The cable attachment structure 212 may be provided to the first link 232.

The cable attachment member 260 is movable relative to the base member 220 between a first end position P41 and a second end position P42. The first end position P41 corresponds to the highest gear P31 of the chain guide 246. The second end position P42 corresponds to the low gear P32 of the chain guide 246. In the first state in which the cable attachment member 260 is positioned at the first end position P41 by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14, the chain guide 246 is positioned at the highest gear P31. In the second state in which the cable attachment member 260 is positioned at the second end position P42 by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14, the chain guide 246 is positioned in the low gear P32.

As shown in fig. 32, the cable attachment structure 212 includes a retention plate 262. That is, the bicycle component 210 includes a retaining plate 262. The holding plate 262 corresponds to the fixing plate 62 of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the fixing plate 62 may also be referred to as a holding plate 62. The holding plate 262 has an annular shape. However, the holding plate 262 may have other shapes, such as the fixing plate 62 described in the first embodiment.

The fastening member 64 may also be referred to as a fastener 64. Accordingly, the cable attachment structure 212 includes the fastener 64. That is, the bicycle component 210 includes the fastener 64. The fastener 64 is configured to fasten the retaining plate 262 to the cable attachment member 260 in a fastening direction D.

The bolt axis a of the fastening member 64 may also be referred to as a fastener central axis a. Thus, the fastener 64 has a fastener central axis a extending along a fastening direction D. The fastener 64 extends along a fastener central axis a. Fastener 64 includes a head portion 64a and a shank portion 64b.

The cable attachment member 260 includes a base portion 266 and a receiving portion 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the second link 230 and the base portion 266 are integrally formed as a single piece, while the receiving portion 68 is a separate piece attached to the second link 230 by the fastener 64. In this way, the base portion 266 is made of a first material and the receiving portion 68 is made of a second material. The first material is different from the second material. In this way, the first material may be a lightweight material, while the second material may be particularly suitable for receiving the fasteners 64. For example, a resin material may be used as the first material. Further, for example, a metal material may be used as the second material.

The base portion 266 has a through hole or recess. The receiving portion 68 is at least partially located in the through hole and non-rotatably engages the through hole or recess. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 266 has a through-hole 66a, and the receiving portion 68 is at least partially located in the through-hole 66a and non-rotatably engaged with the through-hole 66 a. The through bore 66a is preferably non-circular for non-rotatably engaging the receiving portion 68. For example, as shown, the through hole 66a may be substantially square when viewed from the fastening direction D (see, for example, fig. 33). Alternatively, the through hole 66a may have an elliptical shape, a star shape, a regular polygon shape, an irregular polygon shape, or the like, when seen from the fastening direction D.

The cable attachment member 260 includes a cable arrangement 270. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, a cable arrangement 270 is provided to the base portion 266 and the receiving portion 68. The cable arrangement portion 270 includes a cable arrangement groove 272. More preferably, the cable arrangement groove 272 includes a first groove 272a, a second groove 272b, and a cable receiving groove 68d. The base portion 266 includes a first groove 272a and a second groove 272b. The receiving portion 68 includes a cable receiving groove 68d. The first groove 272a may also be referred to as a cable channel 272a. The groove 72 described in the first embodiment corresponds to the cable arranging groove 272. Thus, the groove 72 may also be referred to as a cable routing groove 72.

The cable attachment member 260 includes a first stop 273 and a second stop 274. The first stopper 273 includes a first protrusion 273a. The second stopper 274 includes a second protrusion 274a spaced apart from the first protrusion 273a. The first protrusion 273a and the second protrusion 274a define a cable channel 272a between the first protrusion 273a and the second protrusion 274a through which the inner core 14b of the cable 14 is to extend. The first protrusion 273a and the second protrusion 274a correspond to the protrusions 74 described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the protrusions 74 may also be referred to as first protrusions 74 and second protrusions 74.

The second stopper 274 includes a third protrusion 274b. The third protrusion 274b is adjacent to the second groove 272b, and there is no other groove between the third protrusion 274b and the second groove 272b. The third protrusion 274b may contact the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 to limit movement of the inner wire core 14b beyond the second groove 272b during the cable attachment operation.

The second groove 272b is a recess extending from the through hole 66a. Preferably, the first grooves 272a are wider than the second grooves 272b (see, e.g., fig. 33). In this way, during the cable attachment operation, the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 can be easily inserted into the first groove 272 a.

As shown in FIG. 32, in the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion 68 has a threaded bore 68a configured to engage the shank 64b of the fastener 64. The shank 64b of the fastener 64 is threaded into the threaded bore 68a for coupling the retention plate 262 to the cable attachment member 260. The receiving portion 68 further includes an end flange 68b, a non-circular peripheral surface 68c, and a cable receiving groove 68d. The size of the end flange 68b is larger than the cross-sectional size of the through-hole 66a such that the receiving portion 68 cannot pass completely through the through-hole 66a. Thus, the end flange 68b abuts the base portion 266 of the cable attachment member 260 to prevent the receiving portion 68 from passing completely through the through hole 66a. The non-circular peripheral surface 68c of the receiving portion 68 is configured to mate with the through-hole 66a of the base portion 266 of the cable attachment member 260 to prevent rotation of the receiving portion 68 relative to the base portion 266. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the non-circular peripheral surface 68c of the receiving portion 68 has a substantially square shape when viewed in the fastening direction D. Alternatively, the receiving portion 68 may have an elliptical shape, a star shape, a regular polygon shape, an irregular polygon shape, or the like, as viewed in the fastening direction D. In any event, the receiving portion 68 must cooperate with the through bore 66a to prevent rotation of the receiving portion 68 relative to the base portion 266. The cable-receiving groove 68d is sized to receive the inner wire core 14b. Thus, the cable receiving groove 68d is aligned with the second groove 272b. Preferably, as shown in fig. 32, the cable receiving groove 68d has one or more protrusions protruding from the bottom of the cable receiving groove 68d. Here, the cable receiving groove 68d has two protrusions 68d1 protruding from the bottom of the cable receiving groove 68d. The protrusion 68d1 is configured to engage with the inner wire core 14b. In this way, the inner core 14b is fixedly held between the holding plate 262 and the receiving portion 68.

As shown in fig. 33, the cable arrangement groove 272 extends at least partially in a straight line. The cable arrangement groove 272 extends in the extending direction ED. The second grooves 272b extend at least partially in a straight line. The cable receiving groove 68d extends at least partially in-line. The second groove 272b extends in the extending direction ED. The cable receiving groove 68d extends in the extending direction ED. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable arrangement groove 272 extends partially in a straight line. The first groove 272a has a curved shape. The second grooves 272b extend entirely in a straight line. The cable receiving groove 68d extends entirely in line. However, the first grooves 272a may extend at least partially in a straight line. The second grooves 272b extend partially in a straight line. The cable receiving groove 68d may extend partially in a straight line.

As shown in fig. 34, the cable arrangement groove 272 at least partially overlaps the holding plate 262 when viewed from the fastening direction D. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable arrangement groove 272 partially overlaps the retention plate 262 when viewed from the fastening direction D. The first groove 272a is offset from the retaining plate 262. The first groove 272a is arranged so as not to overlap the holding plate 262 when viewed from the fastening direction D. The second groove 272b at least partially overlaps the retaining plate 262 when viewed from the fastening direction D. The cable receiving groove 68D at least partially overlaps the retaining plate 262 when viewed from the fastening direction D. However, the cable arrangement groove 272 may be arranged to entirely overlap with the holding plate 262 when viewed from the fastening direction D.

The second groove 272b is arranged with respect to the holding plate 262 and the cable attachment member 260 such that, in a state where the cable 14 is arranged in the first groove 272a and the second groove 272b, a portion of the cable 14 in the second groove 272b is sandwiched between the holding plate 262 and the cable attachment member 260.

The cable receiving groove 68d is arranged with respect to the holding plate 262 and the cable attachment member 260 such that, in a state where the cable 14 is arranged in the first groove 272a and the cable receiving groove 68d, a portion of the cable 14 in the cable receiving groove 68d is sandwiched between the holding plate 262 and the cable attachment member 260.

As shown in fig. 35 and 36, the fastener 64 is configured to fasten the holding plate 262 to the cable arrangement portion 270 in the fastening direction D, thereby holding the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 between the cable attachment member 260 and the holding plate 262. The fastener 64 is configured to fasten the holding plate 262 to the cable arrangement portion 270 in the fastening direction D, thereby holding the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 between the cable arrangement portion 270 and the holding plate 262.

As shown in fig. 35, the fastener 64 is configured to fasten the holding plate 262 to the cable arrangement portion 270 in the fastening direction D, thereby holding the inner core 14b of the cable 14 between the receiving portion 68 and the holding plate 262. The fastener 64 is configured to fasten the holding plate 262 to the cable arrangement portion 270 in the fastening direction D, thereby holding the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 in the cable receiving groove 68D of the receiving portion 68. The fastener 64 and the receiving portion 68 fixedly retain the retention plate 262 and the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 between the head 64a of the fastener 64 and the receiving portion 68. The inner core 14b of the cable 14 is fixedly held in the cable receiving groove 68d between the holding plate 262 and the receiving portion 68. Accordingly, the operating force is transmitted to the cable attachment structure 212 via the inner core 14b of the cable 14.

As shown in fig. 36, the fastener 64 is configured to fasten the holding plate 262 to the cable arrangement portion 270 in the fastening direction D, thereby holding the inner core 14b of the cable 14 between the base portion 266 and the holding plate 262. The fastener 64 is configured to fasten the retaining plate 262 to the cable arrangement 270 in the fastening direction D, thereby retaining the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 in the second groove 272b of the base portion 266. The inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 is at least partially disposed in the second groove 272b in a state where the fastener 64 and the receiving portion 68 fixedly hold the holding plate 262 and the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14. The inner core 14b of the cable 14 is movable in the second groove 272b in a state where the fastener 64 and the receiving portion 68 fixedly hold the holding plate 262 and the inner core 14b of the cable 14. However, the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 may be fixedly held in the second groove 272b between the holding plate 262 and the base portion 266.

As shown in fig. 37, the first groove 272a is arranged with respect to the second groove 272b such that the inner core 14b of the cable 14 can be arranged in the first groove 272a in a state where the cable 14 is arranged outside the second groove 272b and the cable receiving groove 68 d. In a state where the inner core 14b of the cable 14 is disposed in the first groove 272a, the inner core 14b of the cable 14 is placed in the second groove 272b and the cable receiving groove 68 d.

As shown in fig. 35 and 36, the cable attachment member 260 includes an inclined surface 276. The inclined surface 276 is configured to guide the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14 toward the second groove 272b and the cable receiving groove 68 d. The inclined surface 276 is inclined with respect to the fastening direction D. The inclined surface 276 is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction D. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 266 includes an inclined surface 276.

As shown in fig. 37, the holding plate 262 has a contour OL as viewed in the fastening direction D. The profile OL is indicated in fig. 37 by a thickened chain double-dashed line. The outline OL of the holding plate 262 has a circular shape as viewed in the fastening direction D. However, the contour OL of the holding plate 260 is not limited to a circular shape.

The inclined surface 276 is partially located outside the contour OL of the holding plate 262 as viewed in the tightening direction D. The inclined surface 276 partially overlaps the holding plate 262 as viewed in the fastening direction D. The holding plate 262 has a ring shape as viewed in the fastening direction D. However, the holding plate 262 may have a shape other than the annular shape. The inclined surface 276 may be located entirely outside the contour OL of the retaining plate 262 when viewed in the tightening direction D.

As shown in fig. 38, the inclined surface 276 includes a first inclined surface 278 and a second inclined surface 280. The inclined surface 276 includes a ridge line 282. The ridge 282 is disposed between the first angled surface 278 and the second angled surface 280. The second angled surface 280 is non-parallel to the first angled surface 278. The second inclined surface 280 is adjacent to the first inclined surface 278 without an additional inclined surface between the first inclined surface 278 and the second inclined surface 280. However, additional inclined surfaces may be provided between the first inclined surface 278 and the second inclined surface 280.

The first inclined surface 278 is inclined with respect to the fastening direction D. The second inclined surface 280 is inclined with respect to the fastening direction D. The first inclined surface 278 is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction D. The second inclined surface 280 is not parallel and not perpendicular to the fastening direction D and the first inclined surface 278.

As shown in fig. 39, the inclined surface 276 includes an inner end 276a and an outer end 276b. The inner end 276a is disposed closer to the fastener central axis a than the outer end 276b, as viewed in the fastening direction D. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angled surface 278 includes a first inner end 278a and a first outer end 278b. The first inner end 278a is disposed closer to the fastener central axis a than the first outer end 278b, as viewed in the fastening direction D. The second inclined surface 280 includes a second inner end 280a and a second outer end 280b. The second inner end portion 280a is disposed closer to the fastener central axis a than the second outer end portion 280b, as viewed in the fastening direction D.

The first inclined surface 278 is inclined from the first inner end 278a to the first outer end 278b in the first inclined direction DR1, as viewed in the fastening direction D. The second inclined surface 280 is inclined from the second inner end portion 280a to the second outer end portion 280b in the second inclined direction DR2 as viewed in the fastening direction D. For example, the first inclined direction DR1 indicates a direction in which an inclination angle of the first inclined surface 278 is greatest among directions defined from the first inner end 278a to the first outer end 278b. The second inclined direction DR2 represents a direction in which an inclination angle of the second inclined surface 280 is greatest among directions defined from the second inner end portion 280a to the second outer end portion 280b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second tilting direction DR2 is different from the first tilting direction DR1. The second oblique direction DR2 is not parallel and perpendicular to the first oblique direction DR1 as viewed in the fastening direction D. However, the second tilting direction DR2 may be the same as the first tilting direction DR1. The second tilting direction DR2 may be parallel or perpendicular to the first tilting direction DR1, as seen in the fastening direction D.

At least one of the first and second oblique directions DR1 and DR2 is not parallel and perpendicular to the extending direction ED. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second oblique directions DR1 and DR2 is not parallel and perpendicular to the extending direction ED. However, at least one of the first and second oblique directions DR1 and DR2 may be parallel or perpendicular to the extending direction ED.

As shown in fig. 40 and 41, the inclined surface 276 is inclined from the inner end 276a toward the outer end 276b to increase the distance DS defined between the retaining plate 262 and the inclined surface 276 in the fastening direction D.

As shown in fig. 40, the first inclined surface 278 is inclined from the first inner end 278a toward the first outer end 278b to increase the first distance DS1 defined between the retaining plate 262 and the first inclined surface 278 in the fastening direction D. The first inclined surface 278 is inclined at a first inclination angle AG1 with respect to the reference plane RP. The reference plane RP is perpendicular to the fastening direction D. The first inclination angle AG1 is defined on a cross section taken along the first inclination direction DR1.

As shown in fig. 41, the second inclined surface 280 is inclined from the second inner end portion 280a toward the second outer end portion 280b to increase the second distance DS2 defined between the holding plate 262 and the second inclined surface 280 in the fastening direction D. The second inclined surface 280 is inclined at a second inclination angle AG2 with respect to the reference plane RP. The second inclination angle AG2 is defined on a cross section taken along the second inclination direction DR 2.

As shown in fig. 40 and 41, the first inclination angle AG1 is different from the second inclination angle AG2. The first inclination angle AG1 is larger than the second inclination angle AG2. However, the first inclination angle AG1 may be smaller than or equal to the second inclination angle AG2.

As shown in fig. 42, the housing receiving member 28 includes a receiving hole 28H through which the inner core 14b of the cable 14 is to extend. The receiving hole 28H has a receiving hole center axis A1.

The cable arrangement 270 is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the receiving hole central axis A1 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The cable arrangement 270 is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the first link 232 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The second stopper 274 is at least partially disposed between the receiving hole central axis A1 and the first stopper 273 when viewed in the fastening direction D.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cable arrangement 270 is partially disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the receiving hole central axis A1 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The cable arrangement 270 is partially disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the first link 232 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The second stoppers 274 are all disposed between the receiving hole central axis A1 and the first stoppers 273 when viewed in the fastening direction D. However, the cable arrangement portion 270 may be entirely disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the receiving hole central axis A1 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The cable arrangement portion 270 may be entirely disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the first link 232 when viewed in the fastening direction D. The second stopper 274 may be partially disposed between the receiving hole central axis A1 and the first stopper 273 when viewed in the fastening direction D.

In the first state in which the cable attachment member 260 is positioned at the first end position P41 by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14, the cable arrangement portion 270 is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the receiving hole central axis A1 when viewed in the fastening direction D. In the first state in which the cable attachment member 260 is positioned at the first end position P41 by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14, the cable arrangement portion 270 is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the first link 232 when viewed in the fastening direction D. In the first state in which the cable attachment member 260 is positioned at the first end position P41 by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14, the second stopper 274 is at least partially disposed between the receiving hole central axis A1 and the first stopper 273 when viewed in the fastening direction D. However, the positional relationship among the cable arrangement portion 270, the inclined surface 276, the receiving hole central axis A1, the first link 232, the first stopper 273, and the second stopper 274 in the first state is not limited to the above-described relationship.

In the second state in which the cable attachment member 260 is positioned at the second end position P42 by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14, the cable arrangement portion 270 is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the receiving hole central axis A1 when viewed in the fastening direction D. In the second state in which the cable attachment member 260 is positioned at the second end position P42 by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14, the cable arrangement portion 270 is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface 276 and the first link 232 when viewed in the fastening direction D. In the second state in which the cable attachment member 260 is positioned at the second end position P42 by the inner wire core 14b of the cable 14, the second stopper 274 is at least partially disposed between the receiving hole central axis A1 and the first stopper 273 when viewed in the fastening direction D. However, the positional relationship among the cable arrangement portion 270, the inclined surface 276, the receiving hole central axis A1, the first link 232, the first stopper 273, and the second stopper 274 in the second state is not limited to the above-described relationship.

As shown in fig. 31, in a state in which the bicycle component 210 is mounted on the bicycle frame F, the inclined surface 276 is at least partially disposed between the cable arrangement portion 270 and the bicycle center plane CP. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined surface 276 is entirely disposed between the cable arrangement portion 270 and the bicycle center plane CP in a state in which the bicycle component 210 is mounted on the bicycle frame F. However, the inclined surface 276 may be partially disposed between the cable arrangement portion 270 and the bicycle center plane CP in a state in which the bicycle component 210 is mounted on the bicycle frame F.

As shown in fig. 40 and 41, the inclined surface 276 is configured to guide the inner wire core 14b toward the insertion space SP defined between the cable attachment member 260 and the holding plate 262. The inclined surface 276 is configured to guide the inner core 14b when the inner core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP. For example, as shown in fig. 40, an insertion space SP is defined between the inclined surface 276 and the holding plate 262 in the fastening direction D. An insertion space SP is defined between the first inclined surface 278 and the holding plate 262 in the fastening direction D. However, an insertion space SP may be defined between the second inclined surface 280 and the retaining plate 262.

As shown in fig. 37, the first stopper 273 may be in contact with the inner wire core 14b before the inner wire core 14b is inserted into an insertion space SP (see fig. 40, for example) defined between the cable attachment member 260 and the holding plate 262. When the inner wire core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP, the second stopper 274 may contact the inner wire core 14b. The first protrusion 273a may be in contact with the inner wire core 14b before the inner wire core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP. When the inner core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP, the second protrusions 274a may contact the inner core 14b. The third protrusion 274b may contact the inner wire core 14b to restrict the movement of the inner wire core 14b beyond the second groove 272b in a state where the inner wire core 14b is located in the second groove 272b.

In order to adjust the length of the inner wire core 14b, the user pulls the inner wire core 14b in a state where the first stopper 273 is in contact with the inner wire core 14b in the cable attaching operation. While being pulled by the user in the cable attaching operation, the inner core 14b slides toward the insertion space SP on the inclined surface 276.

As shown in fig. 43 and 44, when the inner core 14b is inserted into the insertion space SP, the inner core 14b is inserted between the cable attachment member 260 and the holding plate 262. As shown in fig. 35 and 36, the inner wire core 14b slides on the first and second inclined surfaces 278 and 280 toward the second groove 272b and the cable receiving groove 68 d. The inner wire core 14b is placed in the first inclined surface 278 and the second inclined surface 280. As shown in fig. 35, the fastener 64 is tightened by the user, thereby fixedly retaining the inner wire core 14b and the retaining plate 262 between the head 64a and the receiving portion 68 of the fastener 64. Accordingly, the inner wire core 14b may be relatively easily attached to the cable attachment structure 212.

The modifications shown in fig. 22 to 24 can be applied to the cable attachment structure 212 according to the second embodiment.

The cable attachment structure 212 according to the second embodiment can be applied to a bicycle rim brake, as in the modification shown in fig. 25 to 27.

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. This concept also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "portion," "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 "transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright riding position and equipped with the bicycle components. Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe a bicycle component should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle component in an upright riding position on a horizontal plane. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and "left" when referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

The phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure refers to "one or more" in a desired selection. For example, if the number of choices is two, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure means "only a single choice" or "two of two choices". As another example, if the number of choices is equal to or greater than three, the phrase "at least one" as used in this disclosure refers to "only a single choice" or "any combination of two or more choices. Furthermore, the term "and/or" as used in this disclosure refers to "one or both of.

Furthermore, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" are 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 element. 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 invention.

The terms "attached" or "attached" as used herein encompass a configuration wherein an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element; a construction in which the element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to an intermediate member that in turn is affixed to the other element; and a configuration in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is substantially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "joined," "fixed" and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a 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 specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, position or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the components shown directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed therebetween, so long as such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. In another embodiment, the structure and function of one embodiment may be employed. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature, alone or in combination with other features, is also contemplated by applicant's own description of the further invention, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Accordingly, the foregoing description of embodiments in accordance with the invention is provided for illustration only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bicycle component, comprising:

a cable attachment member including a cable arrangement portion and an inclined surface;

a holding plate;

a fastener configured to fasten the holding plate to the cable arranging portion in a fastening direction so as to hold an inner core of a cable between the cable attaching member and the holding plate; and is also provided with

The inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction, the inclined surface at least partially overlapping the retaining plate when viewed in the fastening direction.

2. The bicycle component according to claim 1, wherein

The inclined surface is at least partially disposed between the cable arrangement portion and a bicycle center plane that passes through a center of the bicycle frame in a width direction of the bicycle frame in a state in which the bicycle component is mounted on the bicycle frame.

3. A bicycle component, comprising:

a holding plate;

a fastener configured to fasten the holding plate to the cable arranging portion in a fastening direction so as to hold an inner core of a cable between the cable attaching member and the holding plate;

The inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction; and is also provided with

4. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising:

a base member comprising a housing receiving member configured to receive a housing of a cable, the housing receiving member comprising a receiving aperture through which an inner core of the cable is to extend, the receiving aperture having a receiving aperture central axis, wherein

The cable attachment member is movably coupled to the base member, and

the cable arrangement is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface and the receiving hole central axis when viewed in the fastening direction.

5. A bicycle component, comprising:

a base member including a housing receiving member configured to receive a housing of a cable, the housing receiving member including a receiving aperture through which an inner core of the cable is to extend, the receiving aperture having a receiving aperture central axis;

A cable attachment member movably coupled to the base member, the cable attachment member including a cable arrangement portion and an inclined surface;

a holding plate;

a fastener configured to fasten the holding plate to the cable arranging portion in a fastening direction so as to hold the inner core of the cable between the cable attaching member and the holding plate;

6. The bicycle component according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising:

a first link pivotally coupled to the base member; and

a second link pivotally coupled to the base member, wherein,

the cable attachment member is coupled to the second link, and

the cable arrangement is at least partially disposed between the inclined surface and the first link when viewed in the fastening direction.

7. A bicycle component, comprising:

A base member;

a first link pivotally coupled to the base member;

a second link pivotally coupled to the base member;

a cable attachment member coupled to the second link, the cable attachment member including a cable arrangement portion and an inclined surface;

a holding plate;

8. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein

The inclined surface is configured to guide the inner wire core toward an insertion space defined between the cable attachment member and the holding plate.

9. The bicycle component according to claim 8, wherein

The cable attachment member includes

A first stopper contactable with the inner wire core before the inner wire core is inserted into the insertion space, and

And a second stopper contactable with the inner core when the inner core is inserted into the insertion space.

10. The bicycle component according to claim 4 or 5, wherein

The cable attachment member includes a first stopper contactable with the inner wire core before the inner wire core is inserted into an insertion space defined between the cable attachment member and the holding plate,

the cable attachment member includes a second stopper contactable with the inner wire core when the inner wire core is inserted into the insertion space, and

the second stop is at least partially disposed between the receiving bore central axis and the first stop when viewed in the fastening direction.

11. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein

The first stop includes a first projection,

the second stopper includes a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion, and

the first protrusion and the second protrusion define a cable passage between the first protrusion and the second protrusion through which the inner core of the cable is to extend.

12. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein

The holding plate has a contour as viewed in the fastening direction, and

the inclined surface is located partially outside the contour of the retaining plate when viewed in the fastening direction.

13. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein

The retaining plate has a ring shape as seen in the fastening direction.

14. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein

The cable arrangement portion includes a cable arrangement groove extending at least partially in a straight line.

15. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein

The fastener having a fastener central axis extending along the fastening direction, the fastener extending along the fastener central axis,

the inclined surface includes an inner end and an outer end,

the inner end portion is disposed closer to the fastener central axis than the outer end portion, as viewed in the fastening direction, and

the inclined surface is inclined from the inner end toward the outer end to increase a distance defined between the holding plate and the inclined surface in the fastening direction.

16. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein

The inclined surface includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, and

the first inclined surface is not parallel and perpendicular to the fastening direction, and

the second inclined surface is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the fastening direction and the first inclined surface.

17. The bicycle component according to claim 16, wherein

The fastener having a fastener central axis extending in the fastening direction, the fastener extending along the fastener central axis,

the first inclined surface includes a first inner end and a first outer end,

the first inner end portion is disposed closer to the fastener central axis than the first outer end portion, as viewed in the fastening direction, and

the first inclined surface is inclined from the first inner end toward the first outer end to increase a first distance defined between the holding plate and the first inclined surface in the fastening direction.

18. The bicycle component according to claim 17, wherein

The second inclined surface includes a second inner end and a second outer end,

the second inner end portion is disposed closer to the fastener central axis than the second outer end portion, as viewed in the fastening direction, and

The second inclined surface is inclined from the second inner end portion toward the second outer end portion to increase a second distance defined between the holding plate and the second inclined surface in the fastening direction.

19. The bicycle component according to claim 18, wherein

The first inclined surface is inclined in a first inclined direction from the first inner end portion toward the first outer end portion when viewed in the fastening direction,

the second inclined surface is inclined in a second inclined direction from the second inner end portion to the second outer end portion when viewed in the fastening direction,

the cable arrangement portion includes a cable arrangement groove extending in an extending direction, and

at least one of the first oblique direction and the second oblique direction is not parallel and not perpendicular to the extending direction.

20. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein

The inclined surface includes a ridgeline disposed between the first and second inclined surfaces.

21. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein

The first inclined surface being inclined at a first inclined angle with respect to a reference plane, the reference plane being perpendicular to the fastening direction,

The second inclined surface is inclined at a second inclined angle with respect to the reference surface, and

the first angle of inclination is different from the second angle of inclination.

22. The bicycle component according to any one of claims 1-21, further comprising:

and a chain guide contactable with the chain.