TW202227323A - Operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An operating device includes a positioning ratchet, an operating member, an operating pawl, a positioning pawl and a release member. The operating member moves in a first direction using the operating pawl to perform both a pulling operation to move the positioning ratchet in a first direction and a releasing operation to move the positioning ratchet in a second direction. The positioning pawl engages the positioning ratchet to prevent movement of the positioning ratchet in the second direction. The release member is movable to release the positioning pawl from the positioning ratchet for movement in the second direction. The positioning ratchet is configured to be moved by the operating pawl relative to the release member during a first segment of the pulling operation.

Description

operating device

This disclosure generally relates to an operating device. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to operating devices for operating vehicle components of human-powered vehicles.

Human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, are typically provided with one or more operating devices for operating one or more vehicle components. In the case of bicycles, examples of some of these vehicle components include derailleurs (eg, derailleurs or inner derailleur hubs), suspension devices, and height-adjustable seatposts. The operating device is typically provided on the human-powered vehicle at a location (eg, on the handlebars) for the rider to easily operate the operating device. The operating device is often connected to the assembly, eg by means of a wrap-around control cable.

Generally, the present disclosure relates to various features of operating devices for human-powered vehicles. As used herein, the term "human-powered vehicle" refers to a vehicle capable of being driven by at least human propulsion, but does not include a vehicle that uses propulsion power other than human power alone. In particular, vehicles using only an internal combustion engine as driving power are not included in human-powered vehicles. Human-powered vehicles are generally conceived as compact, lightweight vehicles that sometimes do not require a license for driving on public roads. There is no limit to the number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, recumbent bikes, and E-bikes.

In view of the state of the known art and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an operating device is provided for use with a man-powered vehicle. The operating device basically includes a support structure, a positioning ratchet, an operating member, an operating pawl, a positioning pawl and a release member. The positioning ratchet is mounted to be movable relative to the support structure between a first position and a second position. The operating member is mounted so as to be movable in a first direction relative to the support structure for performing a pulling operation of the positioning ratchet moving in the first direction, and for performing a positioning ratchet in a direction different from the first direction Release operation for moving in the second direction. The operating pawl is movably mounted on the operating member for movement with the operating member when the operating member is moved relative to the support structure. The operating pawl moves the positioning ratchet in the first direction in response to the operating member being moved in the first direction during the pulling operation. The positioning pawl is movable relative to the support structure between a retaining position in which the positioning pawl prevents movement of the positioning ratchet in the second direction and a release position in which the positioning pawl releases the positioning ratchet for movement in the second direction Install. The release member is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure. The release member moves the positioning pawl from the holding position to the release position in response to the operating pawl moving the release member in the first direction during the release operation. The positioning ratchet is constructed to be moved by the operating pawl relative to the release member during the first section of the pulling operation.

With the handling device according to the first aspect, it is possible to manufacture the handling device economically at relatively low costs.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first aspect is constructed such that the operating pawl is operatively engaged during the second segment of the pulling operation that occurs after the first segment of the pulling operation and The release member is moved so that the positioning ratchet and the release member move together.

With the operating device according to the second aspect, it is possible for the release member to act as a stopper for restricting the movement of the operating member during the pulling operation.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first or second aspect is constructed such that the positioning ratchet is biased in the second direction, and contacts the operating pawl with the positioning ratchet at the first position, The operating pawl is forced away from the release member and positioned on the ratchet step of the positioning ratchet.

With the operating device according to the third aspect, it is possible to move the positioning ratchet back towards the first rest position during the release operation, and to hold the operating pawl out of contact with the release member, so that the operating pawl is ready The subsequent pulling operation is performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the third aspect is constructed such that the support structure includes a contact portion, and when the positioning ratchet approaches the first position after the release operation is performed, the contact portion contacts the operating pawl so that the operating ratchet A portion of the pawl is pushed between the positioning ratchet and the contact portion of the support structure to move the operating pawl from the release member.

With the operating device according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to reliably and efficiently move the operating pawl out of contact with the release member, so that the operating pawl is ready for the subsequent pulling operation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is constructed such that during a release operation, the operating pawl operatively engages and moves a release member responsive to the operating pawl The release operation of the pawl moves the positioning pawl from the holding position to the releasing position.

With the operating device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to use the release member to reliably control the movement of the positioning ratchet during the release operation.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is constructed such that during the releasing operation, the releasing member will position the teeth of the pawl in response to the releasing operation of the operating pawl The part is pushed between the positioning abutting part of the positioning ratchet and the releasing abutting part of the releasing member to move from the holding position to the releasing position.

With the operating device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to reliably and easily disengage the positioning pawl from the positioning ratchet.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is constructed such that the positioning ratchet and the release member are pivotably mounted to the support structure about the first pivot axis. The ratchet step of the positioning ratchet is constructed to hold the operating pawl radially outward from the release member during the first section of the pulling operation.

With the operating device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to reliably hold the operating pawl out of contact with the release member during the first section of the release operation.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is constructed such that the positioning ratchet includes at least one positioning abutting portion, when the positioning pawl is located at the holding position after the pulling operation, At least one positioning abutment is engaged by the positioning pawl.

With the operating device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to reliably hold the positioning ratchet with the positioning pawl.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is constructed such that the positioning ratchet includes an abutment portion that contacts the support structure to restrain the positioning ratchet to the first during the pulling operation. movement in the direction.

With the operating device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to easily restrict the movement of the positioning ratchet in the first direction during the pulling operation during the pulling operation.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is constructed such that the operating member is biased toward the rest position and can be freed from rest in a first direction relative to the support structure An operating lever installed in such a way that the set position is moved to the operating position.

With the operating device according to the tenth aspect, it is possible for the user to easily operate the operating device to change the position of the positioning ratchet.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the tenth aspect is constructed such that the operating lever is provided at the first rest position with the positioning ratchet provided at the first position, and the operating lever is Set at the second rest position with the positioning ratchet set at the second position.

With the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to easily perform both the pulling operation and the releasing operation with a single operating lever.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is constructed such that the operating member has a first operating stroke for performing a pulling operation, and a first operating stroke for performing a releasing operation In the second operation stroke, the first operation stroke is longer than the second operation stroke.

With the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to perform the release operation quickly compared to the pull release operation.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is constructed such that the operating member is pivotably mounted to the support structure.

With the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to easily operate the operating member.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects is constructed such that the operating pawl is pivotably mounted on the operating member.

With the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the operating member and the operating pawl.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is constructed such that the positioning ratchet includes a wire connection structure.

With the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to operate the cable actuating assembly with the operating device.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects is constructed such that the positioning pawl is pivotably mounted relative to the support structure.

With the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the positioning pawl.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects is constructed such that the release member is not biased in both the first direction and the second direction.

With the operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the operating device.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects is constructed such that the release member includes a positioning abutment that contacts at least one of the operating pawl and the operating member One, so that when the positioning ratchet is located at the first position or the second position, the positioning abutting portion contacts and prevents movement of at least one of the operating pawl and the operating member in the second direction.

With the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably position the operating member at both the first rest position and the second rest position with a relatively simple configuration.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects is constructed such that the release member has a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion, and the operating pawl is pulled The first abutment is engaged during operation and the second abutment is engaged during release operation.

With the operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to reliably move the release member to limit the movement of the operation member during the pulling operation, and to move the release member reliably to position the positioning ratchet during the release operation The pawl is disengaged from the positioning ratchet.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the nineteenth aspect is constructed such that the positioning ratchet and the release member are pivotably mounted to the support structure about the first pivot axis. The first abutment is positioned radially outward from the second abutment.

With the operating device according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the positioning pawl and the release member.

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

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art in the field of human-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) will appreciate from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims provided by the accompanying claims. and its equivalents for the purpose of the present invention.

Referring first to FIG. 1 , the operating device 10 is arranged for use with a man-powered vehicle V. As shown in FIG. In particular, in FIG. 1 a portion of the handlebar H of the man-powered vehicle V is shown equipped with an operating device 10 according to one illustrative embodiment. Here, the man-powered vehicle V is a bicycle (a portion of the down tube F is shown), and the operating device 10 is a bicycle operating device 10 . In the depicted embodiment, the operating device 10 is mounted on a handlebar H (eg, a bicycle handlebar).

Here, the operating device 10 includes a handlebar attachment 12 . The operating device 10 is arranged on the left side of the handlebar H so as to be operated by the right hand of the rider, for example by a handlebar adapter 16 . Alternatively, the operating device 10 can be constructed as a mirror image and arranged on the left side of the handlebar H. Although the handlebar H is a flat handlebar (MTB handlebar) in the depicted embodiment, the operating device 10 can be constructed to be mounted on other types of handlebars such as a drop handlebar (road handlebar) . The handlebar adapter 12 is constructed to be mounted to the handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar attachment 12 is preferably made of a strong rigid material such as a metal material or a reinforced resin material.

Here, the handlebar attachment 12 has a handlebar holder 12A, and a locking bolt 12B for locking the handlebar holder 12A around the handlebar H, as seen in FIG. 1 . The handlebar holder 12A is preferably made of metal, for example, and is constructed to be fastened to the handlebar H by locking the locking bolt 12B. Although the handlebar gripper 12A is shown as a one-piece unitary member (ie, a non-articulated gripper), the handlebar gripper 12A can be an articulated gripper with a pair of curved jaws, this one The pair of curved jaws are pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a locking bolt 12B.

In the depicted embodiment, as seen in FIG. 1 , the operating device 10 is constructed to be operatively coupled to the vehicle (bicycle) assembly VC via a control cable C. Preferably, as seen in Figure 1, the control cable C is a conventional bicycle operating cable with a jacket C1 covering an inner wire C2. In other words, the control cable C is a wrap-around cable in which the inner wire C2 is slidably received within the outer casing C1. The inner wire C2 has a cable nipple or attachment barrel C3 (see Figure 9) for attaching the inner wire C2 to the manipulation device 10, as discussed below. The operating device 10 operates the bicycle component VC by selectively pulling and releasing the inner wire C2. Thus, the operating device 10 constitutes a bicycle cable operating device. The operating device 10 comprises a housing 14 in which the inner wire C2 of the control cable C is drawn into and released from the housing 14 .

In the depicted embodiment, the operating device 10 is constructed as a shifter for controlling the gears of a shifting device such as a derailleur or an inner shifting hub (bicycle component VC). However, the operating device 10 can be used as needed and/or desired as a bicycle control device for operating other types of bicycle components (eg, suspension, adjustable seatpost, etc.). In the depicted embodiment, as seen in Figures 2-4, the operating device 10 has two predetermined steps or positions. When the bicycle assembly VC is a front derailleur as shown, the predetermined steps or positions of the operating device 10 correspond to the gear positions of the front derailleur. Although the operating device 10 has only two positions in the depicted embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the operating device 10 can be modified to have more than two positions if needed and/or desired Location.

As seen in FIG. 5 , here, the housing 14 includes, for example, a first (upper) shell 14A and a second (lower) shell 14B. The first shell 14A and the second shell 14B are snap-fitted together and secured by fasteners 16 . The first shell 14A and the second shell 14B of the housing 14 are rigid rigid members composed of a suitable material such as hard plastic or a lightweight metal such as aluminum. However, the housing 14 can have various configurations as needed and/or desired. Since the shape, size and material of housing 14 can be virtually any suitable shape, size and material, the construction of housing 14 will not be discussed in greater detail here.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 , the operating device 10 includes an operating member 20 . In the depicted embodiment, the operating member 20 is movably mounted to move in a first direction D1 from a first rest position (FIG. 2) to an operating position (FIG. 3) to effectuate that the inner wire C2 is drawn Pulling operation into housing 14 . When the user releases the operating member 20 from the operating position (FIG. 3), the operating member 20 is biased in the second direction D2 to the second resting position (FIG. 4). The second rest position is different from the first rest position. From the second resting position ( FIG. 4 ), the operating member 20 can be moved from the second resting position ( FIG. 4 ) to the operating position ( FIG. 3 ) in the first direction D1 to effectuate that the inner wire C2 is fed out of the housing Release operation of wire C2 within 14. The second operation direction D2 is different from the first operation direction D1. Here, the operating member 20 has a first operating stroke S1 for performing a pulling operation as seen in FIG. 2 , and a second operating stroke S2 for performing a releasing operation as seen in FIG. 2 . The first operation stroke S1 is longer than the second operation stroke S2.

As used herein, the term "rest position" refers to a state in which a component (eg, operating member 20 ) remains stationary without the user holding the component in this state. On the other hand, the terms "operated position" and "actuated position" as used herein refer to a temporary position in which a part (eg, the operating member 20 ) is temporarily held in a position due to an external force being input into the operating device 10 state.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 11, the operating device 10 will now be described in more detail. The operating device 10 also includes a support structure 22 , an operating pawl 24 , a positioning ratchet 26 , a positioning pawl 28 and a release member 30 . Here, since the operating device 10 is used to draw the inner wire C2 into the housing 14 and release the inner wire C2 into the housing 14 , the operating device 10 is provided with a wire winder 32 . The wire winder 32 is coupled to the positioning ratchet 26 such that the positioning ratchet 26 and the wire winder 32 move together as a unit about the first pivot axis P1 in response to movement of the operating member 20, as explained below. Although the positioning ratchet 26 and wire winder 32 are shown as separate components attached together, the positioning ratchet 26 and wire winder 32 can be a single piece as needed and/or desired.

As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the support structure 22 defines a base for operating the internal components of the device 10 . The handlebar clamp 12A is attached to the support structure 22 by a first set bolt or fastener 34 and a second set bolt or fastener 36 . The support structure 22 basically includes a first support plate 41 , a second support plate 42 and a support shaft 43 . The support shaft 43 extends between the first support plate 41 and the second support plate 42 . The housing 14 , the handlebar attachment 12 , the first support plate 41 and the second support plate 42 basically constitute fixing members of the operating device 10 . The first support plate 41 and the second support plate 42 are preferably rigid metal plates.

The first support plate 41 and the second support plate 42 are fastened together by a support shaft 43, which is preferably a fixing bolt with a fixing nut 44 twisted on its free end. The support shaft 43 and retaining nut 44 also hold the operating member 20 to the support structure 22 for pivotal movement of the operating member 20 relative to the support structure 22, as discussed below. Preferably, the support shaft 43 extends perpendicular to the first support plate 41 and the second support plate 42 . The support shaft 43 defines the first pivot axis P1 of the operating member 20 , the positioning ratchet 26 and the release member 30 . In other words, the operating member 20 , the positioning ratchet 26 and the release member 30 are all mounted on a single coincident shaft corresponding to the first pivot axis P1 in a movable (pivot) manner relative to the support structure 22 .

The first support plate 41 includes a pivot hole 41 a for receiving the first portion of the support shaft 43 , and the second support plate 42 has a pivot hole 42 a for receiving the second portion of the support shaft 43 . Preferably, the support structure 22 includes a contact portion 41b. Here, the contact portion 41b is formed by the first support plate 41 of the support structure 22 . As explained later, the operating pawl 24 contacts the contact portion 41b after the release operation is performed, so that the operating pawl 24 is moved radially outward from the release member 30 in preparation for the next pulling operation. Here, the first support plate 41 further includes abutting portion 41c for restricting the movement of the release member 30 in the second direction D2, and abutting portion 41d for restricting the movement of the operating member 20 in the second direction D2 .

Optionally, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 , an anti-rotation structure 45 can be provided on the support structure 22 to prevent rotation of the retaining nut 44 relative to the support structure 22 . Here, the anti-rotation structure 45 includes a fixed plate 45A and an anti-rotation buckle 45B, which are constructed to prevent rotation of the fixed nut 44 relative to the support structure 22 .

The pivot pin 46 is fixed between the first support plate 41 and the second support plate 42 . The pivot pin 46 supports the positioning pawl 28 in a pivotable manner between the first support plate 41 and the second support plate 42 . The first end of the pivot pin 46 extends through the opening in the first support plate 41 and the second end of the pivot pin 46 extends through the opening in the second support plate 42 . The first end of the pivot pin 46 has a groove for receiving the C-shaped retaining buckle 48 . The pivot pin 46 defines a second pivot axis P2 about which the positioning pawl 28 pivots relative to the support structure 22 .

A biasing member 50 is provided on the pivot pin 46 to bias the positioning pawl 28 into contact with the peripheral edge of the positioning ratchet 26 . Here, the biasing element 50 includes a torsion spring 50 having a coil portion arranged on the pivot pin 46 . The first leg portion of the biasing member 50 is hooked on the second support plate 42 , and the second leg portion of the biasing member 50 is hooked on the positioning pawl 28 .

Here, the support structure 22 is also provided with a cylindrical adjuster 62 , and the cylindrical adjuster 62 is adjustably coupled to the first support plate 41 to variably fix the contact of the end of the casing C1 relative to the support structure 22 point. The barrel adjuster 62 is of conventional construction, and as such, the barrel adjuster 62 will not be discussed and/or illustrated in greater detail.

The structure of the operating member 20 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating member 20 basically includes a mounting portion 20A and a user input portion 20B. The operating member 20 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure 22 . Specifically, the support shaft 43 movably supports the operating member 20 . As seen in FIG. 12, preferably, the operating member 20 has a mounting hole 20A1 that receives a portion of the support shaft 43 passing through the mounting hole 20A1. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, the operating member 20 is pivotally mounted to the support structure 22 . In this way, the operating member 20 is mounted pivotably relative to the support structure 22 in the first direction D1 for performing the pulling operation of the positioning ratchet 26 moving in the first direction D1 and for performing the pulling operation A release operation in which the positioning ratchet 26 moves in a second direction D2 different from the first direction D1.

The mounting portion 20A is made of a rigid material such as a metallic material, while the user input portion 20B is typically made of a non-metallic material overlying a metallic support integrally formed with the mounting portion 20A. The user input portion 20B protrudes out of the housing 14 , and the mounting portion 20A is mostly covered by the housing 14 . Thus, in the depicted embodiment, the operating member 20 is an operating lever. As explained later, the operating member 20 is mounted in a manner movable from the rest position to the operating position in the first direction D1 with respect to the support structure 22 . In particular, the operating member 20 is pivoted relative to the support structure 22 to move in the first direction D1 (ie, the inner wire pulling direction) to perform both the inner wire pulling operation and the inner wire releasing operation, such as explained below.

In this embodiment, the operating member 20 is preferably a trigger-type lever biased by the biasing element 52 in the second direction D2 (ie, the inner wire release direction). In particular, the operating member 20 is a single trigger lever that is biased to a first rest position seen in FIG. 2 or a second rest position seen in FIG. 4 . The first rest position of the operating member 20 corresponds to when the positioning ratchet 26 of the operating device 10 is in the first shift position. The second rest position of the operating member 20 corresponds to when the positioning ratchet 26 of the operating device 10 is in the second shift position. The second shift position and the second rest position are angularly spaced about the pivot axis A from the first shift position and the first rest position, respectively.

Here, the biasing member 52 is a torsion spring constituting the biasing member. The biasing element 52 is operatively coupled between the operating member 20 and the first support plate 41 to bias the operating member 20 in the second direction D2. The biasing member 52 has a first end portion 52a disposed in the hole 20A2 of the operating member 20 (as shown in FIG. 10 ), and a first end portion 52a hooked on the first support plate 41 (as shown in FIG. 10 ). Both ends 52b. Accordingly, the biasing element 52 biases the operating member 20 toward the rest position (FIGS. 2 and 4). The washer 54 is provided on the lower facing surface of the first support plate 41 to prevent the biasing member 52 from being pushed between the operating member 20 and the first support plate 41 when the support shaft 43 and the nut 44 are locked. between. Thus, the operating member 20 is an operating lever that is biased towards the rest position and is mounted in a manner movable relative to the support structure 22 in the first direction D1 from the rest position to the operating position.

The operating member 20 also has a hole 20A3 (shown in FIG. 10 ) that receives the pivot pin 56 . The pivot pin 56 pivotably supports the operating pawl 24 thereon. Thus, the operating pawl 24 is movably mounted on the operating member 20 to move with the operating member 20 when the operating member 20 moves relative to the support structure 22 . In other words, the operating pawl 24 is mounted on the operating member 20 to move therewith. In particular, each end of the pivot pin 56 is fixedly attached to the operating member 20 in a manner such as a riveting or press fit. A biasing member 58 is provided to bias the operating pawl 24 towards engagement with the edge of the positioning ratchet 26 . Here, the biasing element 58 is a torsion spring with a coil portion mounted on the pivot pin 56 . The first foot portion 58a of the biasing member 58 is hooked on the operating member 20 . The second foot portion 58b of the biasing member 58 is hooked on the operating pawl 24 .

The structure of the positioning ratchet 26 will now be discussed in more detail. The positioning ratchet 26 is mounted to the support structure 22 in a pivotable manner about the first pivot axis P1. In particular, the positioning ratchet 26 is immovably attached to the wire winder 32 which is pivotally mounted on the support shaft 43 . As seen in Figure 9, the positioning ratchet 26 is a bent plate made of a suitable material such as metal. In the depicted embodiment, the positioning ratchet 26 includes a non-circular mounting hole 26a that receives a corresponding non-circular protrusion of the wire winder 32 . In this manner, the positioning ratchet 26 cannot pivot relative to the wire winder 32 . The wire winder 32 is a hard plastic or metal member. Here, the wire winder 32 has a mounting hole 32a that receives a portion of the support shaft 43 to support the positioning ratchet 26 and the wire winder 32 pivotably about the first pivot axis P1. Although the positioning ratchet 26 and the wire winder 32 are shown as separate elements coupled together, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the positioning ratchet 26 and the wire winder 32 can be integrally formed as a single member. Thus, in the context of this disclosure, the wire winder 32 can be considered part of the positioning ratchet 26 .

Preferably, the positioning ratchet 26 and the wire winder 32 are biased by the biasing element 60 in the second direction D2. Here, the biasing member 60 is a torsion spring having a coil portion disposed around the support shaft 43 . More precisely, the biasing element 60 is disposed in the annular recess 32b of the wire winder 32 . One end of the biasing member 60 is provided in the hole of the wire winder 32 , and the other end of the biasing member 60 is hooked on the second support plate 42 . In this manner, the positioning ratchet 26 is biased in the second direction D2.

A wire winder 32 is attached to the inner wire C2 of the control cable C for pulling and releasing the inner wire C2. As seen in Figure 9, the wire winder 32 has a wire connection structure 32c for attaching the attachment barrel C3 of the control cable C to the wire connection structure 32c. In this manner, the positioning ratchet 26 includes a wire connection structure 32c.

Basically, the positioning ratchet 26 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure 22 between a first position (see FIGS. 13 and 23 ) and a second position (see FIGS. 16-19 ). Here, the positioning ratchet 26 is moved relative to the support structure 22 by the operating pawl 24 in response to the operating member 20 . More precisely, here, the positioning ratchet 26 includes a ratchet step 26b. The ratchet step 26b is engaged by the operating pawl 24 to pivot the positioning ratchet 26 in the first direction D1 in response to the operating member 20 being moved in the first direction D1. The operating pawl 24 moves the positioning ratchet 26 in the first direction D1 in response to the operating member 20 being moved in the first direction D1 during the pulling operation. In other words, the positioning ratchet 26 is moved from the first position ( FIG. 13 ) to the second position ( FIG. 18 ) in the first direction D1 during the pulling operation, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 . In other words, during the release operation, the operating pawl 24 operatively engages and moves the release member 30, which moves the positioning pawl 28 in response to the operating member 20 being moved in the first direction D1 to move in the second The positioning ratchet 26 is released in the direction D2. In this way, the positioning ratchet 26 is moved from the second position (see FIG. 19 ) to the first position (see FIG. 23 ) during the release operation, as seen in FIGS. 19-13 . The operating member 20 (operating lever) is provided at the first rest position with the positioning ratchet 26 provided at the first position, and the operating member 20 (operating lever) is provided at the second position with the positioning ratchet 26 provided at the first position In the case of the position, it is set at the second rest position.

The structure of the operating pawl 24 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating pawl 24 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure 22 . Here, the operating pawl 24 is pivotally mounted on the operating member 20 . As mentioned above, the operating pawl 24 pivots about the third pivot axis P3. The third pivot axis P3 is offset from the first pivot axis P1 of the positioning ratchet 26 . The third pivot axis P3 is also parallel to the first pivot axis P1. The operating pawl 24 has a toothed portion 24a (ie, a tooth or abutment) that selectively engages the positioning ratchet 26 to pivot the positioning ratchet 26 relative to the support structure 22 in a first direction D1 . The toothed portion 24a of the operating pawl 24 also selectively engages the release member 30 to pivot the release member 30 relative to the support structure 22 in the first direction D1.

The structure of the positioning pawl 28 will now be discussed in more detail. The positioning pawl 28 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure 22 between a holding position and a releasing position. The positioning pawl 28 in the holding position prevents movement of the positioning ratchet 26 in the second direction D2. The positioning pawl 28 is in the holding position. The release position releases the positioning ratchet 26 for movement in the second direction D2. In particular, when the positioning pawl 28 is in the holding position, the positioning pawl 28 prevents rotation of the positioning ratchet 26 in the second direction D2 about the first pivot axis P1. On the other hand, when the positioning pawl 28 is in the release position, the positioning pawl 28 releases the positioning ratchet 26 for rotation about the first pivot axis P1 in the second direction D2.

As mentioned above, the positioning pawl 28 is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 46 of the first support plate 41 . Thus, the positioning pawl 28 is mounted pivotably relative to the support structure 22 . Here, the positioning pawl 28 is mounted so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis P2 offset from the first pivot axis P1 of the positioning ratchet 26 . The second pivot axis P2 is parallel to the first pivot axis P1. The positioning pawl 28 has a toothed portion 28a (eg, a positioning tooth or positioning abutment) that selectively engages the positioning ratchet 26 to hold the positioning ratchet 26 from the second direction D2 relative to the support structure 22 move up. To accomplish this, the positioning ratchet 26 includes at least one positioning abutment which is engaged by the positioning pawl 28 when the positioning pawl 28 is in the holding position after the pulling operation. Here, the positioning ratchet 26 includes a first positioning abutting portion 26c and a second positioning abutting portion 26d. The first position of the positioning ratchet 26 is established by the engagement of the tooth portion 28a of the positioning pawl 28 with the first positioning abutment portion 26c of the positioning ratchet 26 . The second position of the positioning ratchet 26 is established by the tooth portion 28a of the positioning pawl 28 engaging the second positioning abutment portion 26d of the positioning ratchet 26 . Therefore, the positioning ratchet 26 is maintained in the first position and the second position by the positioning pawl 28 .

Here, the positioning ratchet 26 further includes a notch 26e adjacent to the ratchet step 26b for allowing the operating pawl 24 to face the first pivot axis P1 when the positioning ratchet 26 is in the second position (see FIGS. 18 and 19 ). Move radially inward. In this way, the operating pawl 24 can engage and pivot the release member 30 during the release operation, as explained below.

Preferably, the positioning ratchet 26 includes an abutting portion 26f that contacts the support structure 22 to limit the movement of the positioning ratchet 26 in the first direction D1 during the pulling operation. In particular, the abutment portion 26f is an axially extending flange constructed to abut against the first support plate 41 when the positioning ratchet 26 is pivoted in the first direction D1 during the pulling operation.

The structure of the release member 30 will now be discussed in more detail. The release member 30 is a rigid plate made of a suitable material such as metal. The release member 30 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure 22 . Here, the release member 30 is mounted to the support structure 22 in a pivotable manner about the first pivot axis P1. In particular, the release member 30 has a mounting hole 30a that receives a portion of the support shaft 43 to support the release member 30 in a pivotable manner about the first pivot axis P1. Here, the release member 30 is not biased in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. Rather, here, the release member 30 is moved by the operating pawl 24 . The release member 30 moves the positioning pawl 28 from the holding position to the release position in response to the operating pawl 24 moving the release member 30 in the first direction D1 during the release operation. In other words, the release member 30 moves the positioning pawl 28 from the holding position to the release position in response to the operation member 20 being moved in the first direction D1 to perform the release operation using the operation pawl 24 .

As seen in FIG. 12 , the release member 30 has a first abutting portion 30b and a second abutting portion 30c. The first abutment portion 30b is positioned radially outward from the second abutment portion 30b. In other words, the first abutment portion 30b is positioned farther from the first pivot axis P1 than the second abutment portion 26d. Basically, the operating pawl 24 engages the first abutment 30b during the pulling operation as seen in FIGS. 14-16 , and engages the second abutment 30c during the releasing operation as seen in FIGS. 19 and 20 . .

Preferably, the release member 30 further includes a positioning abutting portion 30d. The positioning abutting portion 30d contacts at least one of the operating pawl 24 and the operating member 20 with the positioning ratchet 26 at the first position or the second position, so that the positioning abutting portion 30d contacts and prevents the operating pawl 24 and Movement of at least one of the operating members 20 in the second direction D2. In the depicted embodiment, the positioning abutment 30d contacts at least one of the operating pawls 24 with the positioning ratchet 26 at the first position or the second position to limit the operating pawl 24 and the operating member 20 from Movement in the second direction D2. Also, the positioning abutting portion 30d of the release member 30 contacts the abutting portion 41c of the first support plate 41 in a state where the operating member 20 is at the first rest position and the positioning ratchet 26 is at the first position to restrict the release member The movement of 30 in the second direction D2, as seen in FIG. 13 .

Preferably, the release member 30 further includes an abutting portion 30f. The abutting portion 30f of the release member 30 is configured to contact the positioning pawl 28 with the operating member 20 at the second rest position and the positioning ratchet 26 at the second position, as seen in FIG. 18 . Specifically, the abutting portion 30f of the release member 30 contacts the positioning pawl 28 with the positioning ratchet 26 at the second position to prevent movement of the release member 30 in the second direction D2 as seen in FIG. 18 . Also, the positioning abutting portion 30d of the release member 30 contacts the operating pawl 24 with the operating member 20 at the second rest position and the positioning ratchet 26 at the second position to restrict the operating pawl 24 in the second direction D2 move on, as seen in Figure 18. Thus, the release member 30 contacts the support structure 22 with the positioning ratchet 26 at the first position, and the positioning pawl 28 prevents the release member 30 from moving in the second direction D2 with the positioning ratchet 26 at the second position move.

Referring now to Figures 13-18, the pulling operation of the handling device 10 will now be discussed. Figure 13 shows the operating member 20 in the first rest position and the positioning ratchet 26 in the first position. In the first position, the operating pawl 24 is in contact with the ratchet step 26b of the positioning ratchet 26 . Therefore, when the operating member 20 is moved in the first direction D1 , the positioning ratchet 26 is moved by the operating pawl 24 . The pulling operation is initiated by pivoting the operating member 20 in the first direction D1 , as seen in FIG. 14 . In FIG. 14 , the operating member 20 has been pivoted about the first pivot axis P1 from the first rest position of FIG. 13 to move the positioning ratchet 26 in the first direction D1 and contact the release member 30 . When the operating member 20 is moved from the first position of Figure 13 to the partially operating position of Figure 14, the positioning ratchet 26 is configured to be moved by the operating pawl 24 relative to the release member 30 during the first section of the pulling operation. Here, the first section of the pulling operation corresponds to the movement of the operating member 20 from the first position of FIG. 13 to the partially operating position of FIG. 14 . Here, the ratchet step 26b of the positioning ratchet 26 is constructed to hold the operating pawl 24 radially outward from the release member 30 during the first section of the pulling operation. Also, the ratchet step 26b of the positioning ratchet 26 is constructed to prevent the operating pawl 24 from engaging the release member 30 during the first section of the pulling operation. Thus, the operating pawl 24 will move the positioning ratchet 26 relative to the release member 30 during the first segment of the pulling operation. In particular, as mentioned above, the positioning ratchet 26 is biased in the second direction D2. As a result, the positioning ratchet 26 contacts the operating pawl 24 with the positioning ratchet 26 at the first position, so that the operating pawl 24 is forced away from the release member 30 and positioned at the ratchet step 26b.

When the operating member 20 is moved from the partial operating position of FIG. 14 to the partial operating position of FIG. 15 , the operating pawl 24 contacts the first abutment portion 30b of the release member, so that the positioning ratchet 26 and the release member 30 can now be operated in the pulling operation move together during the period. When the operating member 20 is moved from the partial operating position of FIG. 15 to the operating position of FIG. 16 , the positioning ratchet 26 and the release member 30 pivot together in the first direction D1 about the first pivot axis P1 , so that the positioning ratchet 26 is The second positioning abutting portion 26d engages the tooth portion 28a of the positioning pawl 28 . Thus, the operating pawl 24 operatively engages and moves the release member 30 during the second section of the pulling operation that occurs after the first section of the pulling operation, so that the positioning ratchet 26 and the release member 30 move together.

Now, the operating member 20 can be released and moved from the operating position of FIG. 16 to move in the second direction D2, as seen in FIG. 17 . When the operating member 20 moves in the second direction D2, the positioning ratchet 26 is maintained at the second position, as shown in FIG. 17 . The movement of the operating member 20 in the second direction D2 is restricted by the operating pawl 24 contacting the positioning abutting portion 30d of the release member 30 and the abutting portion 30f of the releasing member 30 contacting the positioning pawl 28, as seen in FIG. 18 . Thus, Figure 18 shows the operating member 20 in the second rest position and the positioning ratchet 26 in the second position.

Referring now to Figures 18-23, the release operation of the operating device 10 will now be discussed. Here, during the release operation, the operating pawl 24 operatively couples and moves the release member 30, which moves the positioning pawl 28 from the holding position to the releasing position in response to the releasing operation of the operating pawl 24. Specifically, the release operation is performed by moving the operating member 20 in the first direction D1 from the second rest position shown in FIG. 18 , as seen in FIG. 19 . When the operating member 20 is moved from the second rest position of FIG. 18 to the partial operating position of FIG. 19 , the toothed portion 24 a of the operating pawl 24 contacts the second abutting portion 30 c of the release member 30 . When the operating member 20 is moved from the partial operating position of FIG. 19 to the partial operating position of FIG. 20 , the operating pawl 24 moves the release member 30 about the first pivot axis P1 in the first direction without moving the positioning ratchet 26 Pivot on D1. Therefore, during the release operation, the release member 30 pushes the tooth portion 28a of the positioning pawl 28 against the positioning abutment portion 26d of the positioning ratchet 26 and the release abutment of the release member 30 in response to the release operation of the operation pawl 24 between the parts 30e to move from the holding position to the releasing position. Again, in the partially operating position of FIG. 20 , the operating pawl 24 contacts the positioning ratchet 26 so that further movement of the operating member 20 in the first direction D1 will rotate the positioning ratchet 26 .

Once the toothed portion 28a of the positioning pawl 28 is disengaged from the second positioning abutment 26d, the operating member 20 can be released to move back in the second direction D2, as seen in FIGS. 21-23 . When the operation member 20 is pivoted in the second direction D2, the operation pawl 24 contacts the positioning abutment portion 30d of the release member 30, so that the release member 30 moves in the second direction D2. The movement of the operation member 20 and the release member 30 in the second direction D2 is stopped by the positioning abutment portion 30d of the release member 30 contacting the abutment portion 41c of the first support plate 41 . In this way, as seen in FIG. 23, when the positioning ratchet 26 approaches the first position after the release operation is performed, the contact portion 41b contacts the operating pawl 24, so that a part of the operating pawl 24 is pushed against the positioning ratchet 26 and the support between the contact portions 41b of the structures 22 to move the operating pawl 24 from the release member 30 and on the ratchet step 26b. Then, the operating member 20 is returned to the first rest position and the positioning ratchet 26 is returned to the first position, as seen in FIG. 13 . Accordingly, the tooth portion 28a of the positioning pawl 28 is engaged from the first positioning abutment portion 26c, as seen in FIG. 13 .

Referring now to FIGS. 24 to 39 , the operating device 110 according to the second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the description of the components of the second embodiment having the same functions as the components of the first embodiment will be omitted or shortened for the sake of brevity. As explained below, the operation of the operating device 110 is basically the same as that of the operating device 10 . However, the axial positions of some components have been changed in the handling device 110 relative to corresponding components of the handling device 10 .

In FIG. 24, the operating device 110 is shown without a housing. The operating device 110 can use the housing 12 of the operating device 10 . Therefore, the housing of the operating device 110 will not be shown. Similar to the operating device 10 as discussed above, the operating device 110 includes a handlebar attachment 112 for mounting the operating device 110 to a handlebar.

Basically, the operating device 110 includes an operating member 120 that moves in the same manner as the operating member 20 . Thus, the operating member 120 is movably mounted to move in the first direction D1 from the first resting position ( FIG. 28 ) to the operating position ( FIG. 31 ) so that the inner wire of the control cable is pulled to the housing Pull operation in the middle. When the user releases the operating member 120 from the operating position (FIG. 31), the operating member 120 is biased in the second direction D2 to the second resting position (FIG. 34). The second rest position is different from the first rest position. From the second resting position (FIG. 34), the operating member 120 can be moved from the second resting position (FIG. 34) to the operating position (FIG. 36) in the first direction D1 in order to effectuate the inner wire being fed out of the housing. The release operation of the inner wire. Similar to the operating device 10 , the operating device 110 also includes a support structure 122 , an operating pawl 124 , a positioning ratchet 126 , a positioning pawl 128 and a release member 130 . Here, since the operating device 110 is used to draw the inner wire into the housing and release the inner wire into the housing, the operating device 110 is provided with a wire winder 132 provided on the positioning ratchet 126 . The supporting structure 122 , the operating pawl 124 , the positioning ratchet 126 , the positioning pawl 128 , the releasing member 130 and the wire winder 132 are respectively connected with the supporting structure 22 , the operating pawl 24 , the positioning ratchet 26 , the positioning pawl 28 , and the releasing member 30 . and wire winder 32 are substantially the same. However, in the operating device 110, the axis position of the release member 130 relative to the first pivot axis P1 is different.

The support structure 122 basically includes a first support plate 141 , a second support plate 142 and a support shaft 143 . The support shaft 143 extends between the first support plate 141 and the second support plate 142 . The first support plate 141 and the second support plate 142 are fastened together by a support shaft 143, which is preferably a fixing bolt with a fixing nut 144 twisted on its free end. The pivot pin 146 is fixed between the first support plate 141 and the second support plate 142 . The pivot pin 146 defines a second pivot axis P2. The pivot pin 146 supports the positioning pawl 128 in a pivotable manner between the first support plate 141 and the second support plate 142 . A biasing member 150 is provided on the pivot pin 146 to bias the positioning pawl 128 into contact with the peripheral edge of the positioning ratchet 126 . Here, the support structure 122 is also provided with a cylindrical adjuster 162 adjustably coupled to the first support plate 141 to variably fix the contact point of the end of the jacket relative to the support structure 122 . Accordingly, the support structure 122 is substantially the same as the support structure 22 discussed above.

The first support plate 141 includes a pivot hole 141 a for receiving the first portion of the support shaft 143 . Preferably, the support structure 122 includes a contact portion 141b. Here, the contact portion 141b is formed by the first support plate 141 of the support structure 122 . The operating pawl 214 contacts the contact portion 141b after performing the release operation, so that the operating pawl 124 is moved radially outward from the release member 130 to be ready for the next pulling operation, as shown in FIGS. 37 to 39 .

Similar to the first embodiment, the operating member 120 is preferably a trigger-type lever biased by the biasing element 152 in the second direction D2 (eg, the inner wire release direction). Here, unlike the first embodiment, the biasing member 152 is not located between the first support plate 141 and the second support plate 142 , but is located outside the first support plate 141 .

Similar to the first embodiment, the operating pawl 124 is mounted on the operating member 120 by the pivot pin 156 to move therewith. In particular, each end of the pivot pin 156 is fixedly attached to the operating member 110 in a manner such as a riveting or press fit. A biasing element 158 is provided to bias the operating pawl 124 toward engagement with the edge of the positioning ratchet 126 . The pivot pin 156 defines a third pivot axis P3.

The structure of the positioning ratchet 126 will now be discussed in more detail. The positioning ratchet 126 is mounted on the support structure 122 in a pivotable manner about the first pivot axis P1. In particular, the positioning ratchet 126 is non-removably attached to the wire winder 132 which is pivotally mounted on the support shaft 143 . Preferably, the positioning ratchet 126 and the wire winder 132 are biased by the biasing element 160 in the second direction D2. As seen in FIG. 26 , the positioning ratchet 26 includes a mounting hole 126 a for mounting the positioning ratchet 26 to the wire winder 132 . The positioning ratchet 126 further includes an operation abutting portion 126b, a first positioning abutting portion 126c and a second positioning abutting portion 126d. The operation abutting portion 126b is selectively engaged by the operation pawl 124 to move the positioning ratchet 126 in the first direction D1. The first position of the positioning ratchet 126 is established by the positioning ratchet 128 engaging the first positioning abutment portion 126c of the positioning ratchet 126 . The second position of the positioning ratchet 126 is established by the positioning ratchet 128 engaging the second positioning abutment 126d of the positioning ratchet 126 .

The structure of the release member 130 will now be discussed in more detail. The release member 130 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure 122 . Here, the release member 130 is mounted on the support structure 122 in a pivotable manner about the first pivot axis P1. In particular, the release member 130 has a mounting hole 130a that receives a portion of the support shaft 143 to support the release member 130 in a pivotable manner about the first pivot axis P1. Here, unlike the first embodiment, the release member 130 is not located between the first support plate 141 and the second support plate 142 , but is located outside the first support plate 141 .

Here, the release member 130 is not biased in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. Rather, here, the release member 130 is moved by the operating pawl 24 . The release member 130 moves the positioning pawl 128 from the holding position to the release position in response to the operating pawl 124 moving the release member 130 in the first direction D1 during the release operation. In other words, the release member 130 moves the positioning pawl 128 from the holding position to the release position in response to the operation member 120 being moved in the first direction D1 to perform the release operation using the operation pawl 124 . As seen in FIG. 27, the release member 130 has a first abutting portion 130b and a second abutting portion 130c. The first abutting portion 130b is positioned radially outward from the second abutting portion 130b. In other words, the first abutment portion 130b is positioned farther from the first pivot axis P1 than the second abutment portion 126d. Basically, the operating pawl 124 engages the first abutment 130b during the pulling operation as seen in FIGS. 28-31 , and engages the second abutment 130c during the release operation as seen in FIG. 37 .

Preferably, the release member 130 further includes a positioning abutting portion 130d. The positioning abutting portion 130d contacts at least one of the operating pawl 124 and the operating member 120 with the positioning pawl 126 at the first position or the second position, so that the positioning abutting portion 130d contacts and prevents the operating pawl 124 and the movement of at least one of the operating members 120 in the second direction D2. In the depicted embodiment, the positioning abutment 130d contacts at least one of the operating pawls 124 with the positioning ratchet 126 at the first position or the second position to limit the operating pawl 124 and the operating member 120 in Movement in the second direction D2. Also, the positioning abutting portion 130d of the release member 130 contacts the abutting portion 141c of the first support plate 141 in a state where the operating member 120 is located at the first rest position and the positioning ratchet 126 is located at the first position to restrict the release member The movement of 130 in the second direction D2, as seen in FIG. 28 .

Preferably, the release member 130 further includes an abutting portion 130f. The abutment portion 130f of the release member 130 is configured to contact the positioning pawl 128 with the operating member 120 at the second rest position and the positioning ratchet 126 at the second position, as seen in FIG. 34 . Specifically, the abutting portion 130f of the release member 130 contacts the positioning pawl 128 with the positioning ratchet 126 at the second position to prevent movement of the release member 130 in the second direction D2, as seen in FIG. 34 . Also, the positioning abutting portion 130d of the release member 130 contacts the operating pawl 124 in a state where the operating member 20 is located at the second resting position and the positioning ratchet 126 is located at the second position to restrict the operating pawl 124 in the second direction D2 move on, as seen in Figure 34. Thus, the release member 130 contacts the support structure 122 with the positioning ratchet 126 at the first position, and the positioning pawl 128 prevents the release member 130 from moving in the second direction D2 with the positioning ratchet 126 at the second position move.

Referring now to Figures 28-31, the pulling operation of the handling device 110 will now be discussed. Figure 28 shows the operating member 120 in the first rest position and the positioning ratchet 126 in the first position. In the first position, the operating pawl 124 is in contact with the operating abutment portion 126b of the positioning ratchet 126 and the edge of the first support plate 141 of the support structure 122 . FIG. 29 also shows the operating member 120 in the first rest position, but with the positioning ratchet 126 removed to reveal the release member 130 . Therefore, when the operating member 120 is moved in the first direction D1 , the positioning ratchet 126 is moved by the operating pawl 124 . The pulling operation is initiated by pivoting the operating member 120 in the first direction D1 as seen in FIG. 30 . In FIG. 30 , the operating member 120 has been pivoted about the first pivot axis P1 from the first rest position of FIG. 13 to move the positioning ratchet 126 in the first direction D1 and contact the release member 130 . When the operating member 120 is moved from the first position of Figure 28 to the partially operating position of Figure 30, the positioning ratchet 126 is configured to be moved by the operating pawl 124 relative to the release member 130 during the first section of the pulling operation. Here, the first section of the pulling operation corresponds to the movement of the operating member 120 from the first position of FIG. 28 to the partially operating position of FIG. 30 . Here, the edge of the first support plate 141 of the support structure 122 is constructed to hold the operating pawl 124 radially outwards from the release member 130 during the first section of the pulling operation. Also, the edge of the first support plate 141 is constructed to prevent the operating pawl 124 from engaging the release member 130 during the first section of the pulling operation. Thus, the operating pawl 124 will move the positioning ratchet 126 relative to the release member 130 during the first segment of the pulling operation.

When the operating member 120 is moved to the partially operating position of Figure 30, the operating pawl 124 contacts the first abutment 130b of the release member so that the positioning ratchet 126 and the release member 130 can now move together during the pulling operation. When the operating member 120 moves to the partial operating position of FIG. 31 , the positioning ratchet 126 and the release member 130 pivot together in the first direction D1 about the first pivot axis P1 , so that the second positioning abutting portion of the positioning ratchet 126 126d engages tooth portion 128a of positioning pawl 128. Thus, the operating pawl 124 operatively engages and moves the release member 130 during the second section of the pulling operation that occurs after the first section of the pulling operation, so that the positioning ratchet 126 and the release member 130 move together.

Now, the operating member 120 can be released and moved from the operating position of FIG. 31 to move in the second direction D2, as seen in FIG. 32 . When the operating member 120 moves in the second direction D2, the positioning ratchet 126 is maintained at the second position, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33 . The movement of the operating member 120 in the second direction D2 is restricted by the operating pawl 124 contacting the positioning abutting portion 130d of the release member 130 and the abutting portion 130f of the releasing member 130 contacting the positioning pawl 128, as seen in FIG. 34 . . Thus, Figure 34 shows the operating member 120 in the second rest position and the positioning ratchet 126 in the second position.

Referring now to Figures 34-39, the release operation of the operating device 110 will now be discussed. Here, during the release operation, the operation pawl 124 is operatively coupled to and moves the release member 130 , which moves the positioning pawl 128 from the holding position to the release position in response to the release operation of the operation pawl 124 . Specifically, the release operation is performed by moving the operating member 120 in the first direction D1 from the second rest position shown in FIG. 34 , as seen in FIG. 35 . When the operating member 120 is moved from the second rest position of FIG. 34 to the partial operating position of FIG. 35 , the tooth portion 124 a of the operating pawl 124 contacts the second abutting portion 130 c of the release member 130 . When the operating member 120 moves from the partial operating position of FIG. 35 to the partial operating position of FIG. 36 , the operating pawl 124 moves the release member 130 about the first pivot axis P1 in the first direction without moving the positioning ratchet 126 Pivot on D1. Therefore, during the release operation, the release member 130 pushes the tooth portion 128a of the positioning pawl 128 against the positioning abutment portion 126d of the positioning ratchet 126 and the release abutment of the release member 130 in response to the release operation of the operation pawl 124 between the parts 130e to move from the holding position to the releasing position. Also, in the partially operating position of FIG. 36 , the operating pawl 124 contacts the positioning ratchet 126 such that further movement of the operating member 120 in the first direction D1 will rotate the positioning ratchet 126 .

Once the toothed portion 128a of the positioning pawl 128 is disengaged from the second positioning abutment 126d, the operating member 120 can be released to move back in the second direction D2, as seen in FIGS. 37-39 . When the operating member 120 pivots in the second direction D2, the operating pawl 124 contacts the positioning abutment portion 130d of the release member 130, so that the release member 130 moves in the second direction D2. The movement of the operating member 120 and the releasing member 130 in the second direction D2 is stopped by the positioning abutting portion 130d of the releasing member 130 contacting the abutting portion 141c of the first support plate 141 . In this way, as seen in FIG. 23, when the positioning ratchet 126 approaches the first position after the release operation is performed, the contact portion 141b contacts the operating pawl 124, so that a portion of the operating pawl 124 is pushed against the positioning ratchet 126 and the support between the contact portions 141b of the structures 122 to move the operating pawl 124 from the release member 130 and on the ratchet step 126b. Then, the operating member 120 returns to the first rest position and the positioning ratchet 126 returns to the first position, as seen in FIG. 28 . Accordingly, the toothed portion 128a of the positioning pawl 128 is engaged from the first positioning abutment portion 126c, as seen in FIG. 28 .

In understanding the scope of the invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein are intended as open-ended terms to define the occurrence of said features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but The presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps is not excluded. The foregoing also applies to words of similar meaning, such as the terms "comprising", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms "portion," "section," "portion," "member," or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements unless indicated otherwise.

The following directional terms used here are "facing the frame side", "not facing the frame side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", " above, below, up, down, top, bottom, side, vertical, horizontal, vertical and transverse, and any other similar Directional terms refer to those directions of a human-powered vehicle field (eg, a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with an operating device. Accordingly, these directional terms employed to describe the operating device should be interpreted relative to the field of human-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) equipped with the operating device in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface. The terms "left" and "right" are used to designate "right" when referring to the right side when viewed from behind the field of man-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles), and when viewed from behind the field of man-powered vehicles (eg, bicycles) In the case of viewing, specify "left" when referring to the left side.

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

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

The terms "attached" and "attached" as used herein encompass: a configuration in which an element is directly secured to another element by directly securing the element to the other element; An element is secured to an intermediate member and then the intermediate member is secured to another element such that the element is indirectly secured to the configuration of the other element; and an element is integrally formed with another element (ie, an element is essentially is part of another component). This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as: "joined", "connected", "coupled", "mounted", "bonded", "fixed" and derivatives thereof. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately," as used herein, mean an amount of variation in the modified term such that the end result does not change significantly.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the invention is not deviated from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims Below, various variations and modifications can be made here. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, location, or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as such changes do not materially affect their intended functions. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown as being directly connected or in contact with each other can have intervening structures disposed therebetween, so long as such changes do not materially affect their intended function. The functions of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa, unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. All advantages need not be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature that is unique from the prior art, whether alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functionality embodied by such feature concept. Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of embodiments in accordance with the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

10: Operating device 12: Handlebar Attachment 12A: Handlebar Gripper 12B: Locking Bolt 14: Shell 14A: First Shell 14B: Second Shell 16: Fasteners 20: Operating components 20A: Installation part 20A1: Mounting hole 20A2: Hole 20A3: Hole 20B: User input section 22: Support Structure 24: Operating the pawl 24a: tooth part 26: Positioning ratchet 26a: Non-circular mounting holes 26b: Ratchet step 26c: The first positioning abutting part 26d: Second positioning abutting part 26e: Notch 26f: Abutment 28: Positioning pawl 28a: tooth part 30:Release widget 30a: Mounting holes 30b: The first abutting part 30c: Second contact part 30d: Positioning abutting part 30e: Release the abutment 30f: abutting part 32: Silk Winder 32a: Mounting holes 32b: annular recess 32c: Silk connection structure 34: The first fixing bolt or fastener 36: Second fixing bolt or fastener 41: The first support plate 41a: Pivot hole 41b: Contact part 41c: Abutment 41d: Abutment 42: Second support plate 42a: Pivot hole 43: Support shaft 44: fixing nut 45: Anti-rotation structure 45A: Fixed plate 45B: Anti-rotation buckle 46: Pivot Pin 48: C-shaped retaining buckle 50: Bias element 52: Bias element 52a: first end 52b: Second end 54: Gasket 56: Pivot Pin 58: Bias element 58a: First foot part 58b: Second foot part 60: Bias element 62: Barrel adjuster 110: Operating device 112: Handlebar Attachment 120: Operating Components 122: Support Structure 124: Operation pawl 126: Positioning ratchet 126a: Mounting holes 126b: Operation abutment 126c: The first positioning abutting part 126d: Second positioning abutting part 128: Positioning pawl 128a: tooth part 130:Release component 130a: Mounting holes 130b: the first abutting part 130c: Second contact part 130d: Positioning abutting part 130e: Release abutment 130f: Abutment 132: Silk Winder 141: The first support plate 141a: Pivot hole 141b: Contact part 142: Second support plate 143: Support shaft 144: fixing nut 146: Pivot Pin 150: Bias element 152: Bias element 156: Pivot Pin 158: Bias element 160: Bias element 162: Barrel adjuster A: pivot axis C: Control cable C1: coat C2: inner silk thread C3: Cable Attachment Barrel D1: first direction D2: Second direction F: Down tube H: handlebar P1: first pivot axis P2: Second pivot axis P3: Third pivot axis S1: The first operating stroke S2: The second operation stroke V: human vehicle VC: Bike Components

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

[FIG. 1] is a perspective view of an operating device in the form of a left-hand shifter and a front derailleur operatively coupled to the operating device, according to one embodiment;

[ FIG. 2 ] is a top view of the operating device depicted in FIG. 1 , wherein the operating member is provided at the first rest position;

[Fig. 3], similar to Fig. 2, is a top view of the operating device depicted in Figs. 1 and 2, but wherein the operating member is provided at the operating position during the pulling operation;

[ FIG. 4 ], similar to FIG. 2 , is a top view of the operating device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , but in which the operating member is set at the operating position after the operating member has been moved to the operating position of FIG. 3 and then released at the second resting position;

[ FIG. 5 ] is a partially exploded perspective view of the operating device shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 for illustrating internal components;

[FIG. 6] is a partially exploded perspective view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4, wherein selected components have been omitted;

[ FIG. 7 ] is a front side view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4 , wherein selected components have been omitted;

[ FIG. 8 ] is a further partially exploded perspective view of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4 , wherein selected components have been omitted;

[ FIG. 9 ] is a further partially exploded perspective view of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4 , in which selected components have been omitted;

[ FIG. 10 ] is a rear side view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4 , wherein selected components have been omitted;

[ FIG. 11 ] is a front side view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4 , wherein selected components have been omitted;

[ FIG. 12 ] is a further partially exploded perspective view of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 1 to 4 , wherein selected components have been omitted;

[FIG. 13] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 1-4 with the operating member in the first rest position and with the positioning ratchet in the first position;

[ FIG. 14 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIG. 13 , wherein the operating member has been pivoted about a first pivot axis from the first rest position of FIG. 13 to move the positioning Ratchet and contact release member to initiate the pulling operation;

[FIG. 15] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, wherein the operating member has been pivoted in the first direction from the partially operating position of FIG. 14 such that the positioning ratchet and the release member moves together during the pulling operation;

[FIG. 16] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13-15, wherein the operating member has been pivoted in the first direction from the partially operating position of FIG. 15 so that the positioning pawls engaging with the positioning abutment of the positioning ratchet to hold the positioning ratchet at the second position;

[ FIG. 17 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13-16 , wherein the operating member has been pivoted in the second direction from the operating position of FIG. 16 toward the second resting position ;

[ FIG. 18 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 , wherein the operating member has been further removed from FIG. 17 in the second direction with the positioning ratchet at the second position The operating position is pivoted to the second rest position;

[ FIG. 19 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13 to 18 , wherein the operating member has been pivoted in the first direction from the second rest position of FIG. 18 such that the release The member is moved to start the release operation;

[ FIG. 20 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13 to 19 , wherein the operating member has been pivoted further in the first direction from the partially operating position of FIG. 19 such that the release member Disengage the positioning pawl from the positioning ratchet;

[ FIG. 21 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13-20 , wherein the operating member has been pivoted in the second direction from the operating position of FIG. 20 toward the first resting position ;

[ FIG. 22 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13 to 21 , wherein the operating member has been pivoted further in the second direction from the position of FIG. 21 so that the operating pawl contacts a release member to move the release member and the operating member in the second direction;

[FIG. 23] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13-22, wherein the operating member has almost returned to the first rest position;

[ FIG. 24 ] is a perspective view of an operating device according to one embodiment, wherein the housing has been removed to reveal internal components;

[FIG. 25] is a front side view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIG. 24;

[FIG. 26] is a partially exploded perspective view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25;

[FIG. 27] is a further partially exploded perspective view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25, wherein selected components have been removed;

[FIG. 28] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25 with the operating member in the first rest position and with the positioning ratchet in the first position;

[ FIG. 29 ] is another top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25 with the operating member in the first rest position;

[FIG. 30] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIG. 28, wherein the operating member has been pivoted from the first rest position of FIG. 28 to move the positioning ratchet and contact the release member to start pulling operation;

[FIG. 31] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 28 and 30, wherein the operating member has been pivoted in a first direction from the partially operating position of FIG. 30 such that the positioning ratchet and the release member moves together during the pulling operation, and the positioning pawl engages the positioning abutment of the positioning ratchet to hold the positioning ratchet at the second position;

[ FIG. 32 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device shown in FIGS. 28 , 30 and 31 , wherein the operating member has been moved in the second direction from the operating position of FIG. 31 toward the second resting position be pivoted;

[FIG. 33] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 28 and 30-32, wherein the operating member has been pivoted further in the second direction from the position of FIG. 32 so that the positioning the pawl pivots radially inwardly relative to the first pivot axis;

[ FIG. 34 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device shown in FIGS. 28 and 30 to 33 , wherein the operating member has been further in the second direction with the positioning ratchet at the second position is pivoted from the position of Figure 33 to a second rest position;

[FIG. 35] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 28 and 30-34, wherein the operating member has been pivoted in the first direction from the second rest position of FIG. 34 , so that the release member is contacted to start the release operation;

[FIG. 36] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 28 and 30-35, wherein the operating member has been pivoted further in the first direction from the partially operating position of FIG. 35, causing the release member to disengage the positioning pawl from the positioning ratchet;

[FIG. 37] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 28 and 30-36, wherein the operating member has been in the second direction from the operating position of FIG. 36 toward the first resting position be pivoted;

[ FIG. 38 ] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 28 and 30 to 37 , wherein the operating member has been pivoted further in the second direction from the position of FIG. 37 so that the operating the pawl contacts the release member to move the operating pawl radially outward relative to the first pivot axis; and

[FIG. 39] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device depicted in FIGS. 13-22 with the operating member having been returned to the first rest position and with the positioning ratchet in the first position.

20: Operating components

20A: Installation part

20A1: Mounting hole

20A2: Hole

20A3: Hole

20B: User input section

24: Operating the pawl

24a: tooth part

28: Positioning pawl

28a: tooth part

30:Release widget

30a: Mounting holes

30b: The first abutting part

30c: Second contact part

30d: Positioning abutting part

30e: Release the abutment

30f: abutting part

46: Pivot Pin

48: C-shaped retaining buckle

50: Bias element

52: Bias element

52a: first end

52b: Second end

54: Gasket

56: Pivot Pin

58: Bias element

58a: First foot part

58b: Second foot part

Claims (20)

An operating device (10; 110) for a man-powered vehicle, the operating device (10; 110) comprising: support structure (22; 122); a positioning ratchet (26; 126) mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure (22; 122) between a first position and a second position; an operating member (20; 120) mounted so as to be movable in a first direction relative to the support structure (22; 122) for actuating the positioning ratchet (26; 126) in the first direction a pulling operation for movement, and a releasing operation for performing movement of the positioning ratchet (26; 126) in a second direction different from the first direction; an operating pawl (24; 124) that is movably mounted on the operating member (20; 120) to interact with the operating member (20; 120) when the operating member (20; 120) moves relative to the support structure (22; 122) The operating member (20; 120) moves, the operating pawl (24; 124) in the first direction in response to the operating member (20; 120) being moved in the first direction during the pulling operation move the positioning ratchet (26; 126); a positioning pawl (28; 128) for preventing movement of the positioning ratchet (26; 126) in the second direction relative to the support structure (22; 122) in the positioning pawl (28; 128) mounted for movement between a holding position and a release position where the positioning pawl (28; 128) releases the positioning ratchet (26; 126) for movement in the second direction; and a release member (30; 130) mounted so as to be movable relative to the support structure (22; 122), the release member (30; 130) in response to the operation pawl (24; 124) in the release operation During the period of time, the release member (30; 130) is moved in the first direction to move the positioning pawl (28; 128) from the holding position to the release position, The positioning ratchet (26; 126) is constructed to be moved by the operating pawl (24; 124) relative to the release member (30; 130) during the first section of the pulling operation. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1, wherein The operating pawl (24; 124) operatively engages and moves the release member (30; 130) during the second section of the pulling operation that occurs after the first section of the pulling operation, The positioning ratchet (26; 126) and the release member (30; 130) are caused to move together. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The positioning ratchet (26; 126) is biased in the second direction and contacts the operating pawl (24; 124) with the positioning ratchet (26; 126) at the first position, so that the operation The pawl (24; 124) is forced away from the release member (30; 130) and is positioned on the ratchet step (26b) of the positioning ratchet (26; 126). The operating device (10; 110) of claim 3, wherein The support structure (22; 122) includes a contact portion (41b; 141b), and when the positioning ratchet (26; 126) approaches the first position after performing the release operation, the contact portion (41b; 141b) contacts the Operating the pawl (24; 124) so that a part of the operating pawl (24; 124) is pushed against the positioning ratchet (26; 126) and the contact portion (41b; 141b) of the support structure (22; 122) ) to move the operating pawl (24; 124) from the release member (30; 130). The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein During the release operation, the operating pawl (24; 124) operatively engages and moves the release member (30; 130), which is responsive to the operating pawl (24; 124) the release operation to move the positioning pawl (28; 128) from the holding position to the releasing position. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein During the release operation, the release member (30; 130) pushes the toothed portion (28a; 128a) of the positioning pawl (28; 128) in response to the release operation of the operating pawl (24; 124). squeezed between the positioning abutting portion (26c, 26d; 126c, 126d) of the positioning ratchet (26; 126) and the releasing abutting portion (30e; 130e) of the releasing member (30; 130) to release the holding position moves to the release position. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The positioning ratchet (26; 126) and the release member (30; 130) are mounted on the support structure (22; 122) in a pivotable manner about a first pivot axis (P1), and the positioning ratchet ( 26; 126) the ratchet step (26b) is constructed such that during the first section of the pulling operation the operating pawl (24; 124) is radially directed from the release member (30; 130) external means. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The positioning ratchet (26; 126) includes at least one positioning abutment (26c, 26d; 126c, 126d), which when the positioning pawl (28; 128) is in the holding position after the pulling operation The positioning abutments (26c, 26d; 126c, 126d) are engaged by the positioning pawls (28; 128). The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The positioning ratchet (26; 126) includes abutments (26c, 26d; 126c, 126d) that contact the support structure (22; 122) to limit the positioning ratchet (26; 126) to the movement in the first direction. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The operating member (20; 120) is an operating lever that is biased towards a rest position and is movable relative to the support structure (22; 122) in the first direction from the rest position to The way to operate the position is installed. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 10, wherein The operating lever is set at the first rest position with the positioning ratchet (26; 126) set at the first position, and the operating rod is set at the positioning ratchet (26; 126) is set at the second resting position in the case of the second position. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The operating member (20; 120) has a first operating stroke for performing the pulling operation and a second operating stroke for performing the releasing operation, and the first operating stroke is longer than the second operating stroke. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The operating member (20; 120) is pivotally mounted to the support structure (22; 122). The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The operating pawl (24; 124) is pivotally mounted on the operating member (20; 120). The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The positioning ratchet (26; 126) includes a wire connection (32c). The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The positioning pawl (28; 128) is mounted pivotably relative to the support structure (22; 122). The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The release member (30; 130) is not biased in both the first direction and the second direction. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The release member (30; 130) includes a positioning abutting portion (30d; 130d) that contacts the operating pawl (24; 124) and the operating member (20; 120) At least one, so that when the positioning ratchet (26; 126) is located at the first position or the second position, the positioning abutting portion (30d; 130d) contacts and prevents the operating pawl (24; 124) ) and the movement of the at least one of the operating member (20; 120) in the second direction. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 1 or 2, wherein The release member (30; 130) has a first abutting portion (30b; 130b) and a second abutting portion (30c; 130c), and The operating pawl (24; 124) engages the first abutment (30b; 130b) during the pulling operation and the second abutment (30c; 130c) during the releasing operation. The operating device (10; 110) of claim 19, wherein The positioning ratchet (26; 126) and the release member (30; 130) are mounted on the support structure (22; 122) in a pivotable manner about a first pivot axis (P1), the first abutment The portion (30b; 130b) is positioned radially outward from the second abutment portion (30c; 130c).

Images