TW202327935A - Bicycle operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operated member and a lid member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle part. The base member has an interior area and an access opening communicating with the interior area. The operated member is movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operated position. The lid member is slidably coupled to the base member in a sliding direction between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partly exposing the access opening. The lid member has a first portion disposed outside of the base member and a second portion disposed in the interior area of the base member.

Description

bicycle handling device

The present disclosure generally relates to bicycle operating devices.

Bicycles are typically provided with one or more bicycle operating devices for operating one or more bicycle components. Examples of some of these bicycle components include shifters (eg, derailleurs or inner shifting hubs), hangers, and seatposts. The bicycle operating device is usually provided on the bicycle at a location where the rider can easily operate the bicycle operating device (eg, on the handlebar of the bicycle). Bicycle operating devices are often connected to bicycle components, for example, with Bowden-style control cables.

Generally, the present disclosure relates to various features of bicycle operating devices for bicycles.

In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle operating device is provided basically comprising a base member, an operating member and a cover member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle component. The base member has an interior area and an access opening in communication with the interior area. The operating member is movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operating position. The cover member is slidably coupled to the base member in a sliding direction between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening. The cover member has a first portion disposed on an exterior of the base member, and a second portion disposed in an interior region of the base member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect, the inner area of the base member can be easily accessed by sliding the cover member between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening .

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle operating device is provided including a base member, an operating member, and a cover member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle component. The base member has an inner area and an access opening communicating with the inner area. The operating member is movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operating position. The cover member is slidably coupled to the base member in a sliding direction between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening. The cover member is slidably disposed on the flat surface of the base member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect, the inner area of the base member can be easily accessed by sliding the cover member between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening .

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect or the second aspect is constructed such that the cover member sandwiches a portion of the base member that defines the access opening.

With the bicycle operating device according to the third aspect, the cover member can be reliably supported on the base member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects is constructed such that the base member has a first case part and a second case part, the first case part has The access opening that the part completely surrounds, the second housing part is attached to the first housing part.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourth aspect, the base member can be easily manufactured and the bicycle operating device can be easily assembled.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further includes a take-up member provided in an inner region of the base member so as to be relatively The base member moves, wherein the cover member overlaps a portion of the inner surface of the base member with the cover member in the second position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect, the bicycle operating device can be used to operate a cable-operated bicycle assembly.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is constructed such that at least one of the cover member and the base member is elastically deformable.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect, the cover member can be easily installed in the access opening of the base member.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect is constructed such that the cover member is elastically deformable.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect, the cover member is elastically deformable to fit the cover member in the access opening of the base member.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects is constructed such that the cover member includes an outer surface having a structure facilitating gripping of the cover member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighth aspect, the cover member can be moved more easily between the first position closing the access opening and the second position at least partially exposing the access opening.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is constructed such that the access opening includes a straight edge portion slidably engaged with the cover member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect, the cover member can be easily slid on the straight edge portion between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is constructed such that the access opening has a quadrangular shape.

With the bicycle operating device according to the tenth aspect, the base member and the cover member can be manufactured in a simple shape.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is constructed such that the cover member includes a first groove that receives the first sliding edge portion of the base member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eleventh aspect, the cover member can be easily slid on the first sliding edge portion between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to the eleventh aspect is constructed such that the cover member includes a second groove that receives the second sliding edge portion of the base member. The first sliding edge portion and the second sliding edge portion are parallel and located on opposite sides of the access opening.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth aspect, the cover member can be reliably coupled to the base member and easily slid on the first slide edge and the second slide edge.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is constructed such that the base member includes the first end edge portion and the second end edge portion. The first end edge portion and the second end edge portion are transverse to the sliding direction. The cover member includes an extension disposed in the interior region of the base member. The extension portion extends beyond one of the first end edge portion and the second end edge portion in the sliding direction in a state where the cover member is located at the first position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, the cover member can completely cover the access opening with the cover member at the first position.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect is constructed such that the base member includes a recess provided on an inner surface of the base member, the recess being at the first position where the cover member closes the access opening. In the case of receiving extensions.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, the cover member can be reliably maintained in the first position closing the access opening.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects further includes a take-up member provided in an inner region of the base member and capable of move. The take-up member is configured to move relative to the base member to selectively move the cable in a pull direction and a release direction opposite the pull direction. The take-up member includes a cable attachment structure configured to attach a cable to the take-up member. The operating member is operatively connected by a cable such that operation of the operating member is coupled to the take-up member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, the bicycle operating device can be used to operate a cable-operated bicycle assembly.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects further includes a handlebar mounting member and a take-up member. The handlebar mounting member defines a handlebar receiving opening having a handlebar axis. A take-up member is disposed in an interior region of the base member and is movable relative to the base member. The take-up member is mounted rotatably relative to the base member about a rotation axis contained in a predetermined reference plane perpendicular to the handlebar axis. The operating member has a user input part disposed on a first side of the predetermined reference plane. The access opening of the base member is arranged on a first side of the predetermined reference plane.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, the bicycle operating device can be conveniently positioned on the handlebar, and the user input member can be easily operated.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed such that the base member has an edge defining the access opening, the edge has a first point and a second point. The second point is located on the opposite side of the access opening in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The first point is spaced from the axis of rotation by a first distance. The second point is spaced from the axis of rotation by a second distance different from the first distance.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, the base member can be inexpensively and easily manufactured by injection molding using a straight pull mold.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect is constructed such that the base member defines an outlet hole through which the cable is paid out. The exit aperture, attachment structure and access opening are aligned on a straight line with the take-up member in a predetermined phase.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, the cable can be easily coupled to the take-up member.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects is constructed such that the cover member includes a structure that generates tactile feedback in a case where the cover member is moved to the first position .

With the bicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, the user can reliably judge when the cover member has reached the first position.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects is constructed such that the cover member includes a structure that generates tactile feedback in a case where the cover member is moved to the second position .

With the bicycle operating device according to the twentieth aspect, the user can reliably judge when the cover member has reached the second position.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects is constructed such that the sliding direction moves on a plane that is not parallel to the rotation axis of the take-up member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-first aspect, the cover member can be easily accessed.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects is constructed such that the sliding direction moves on a plane that is not perpendicular to the rotation axis of the take-up member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-second aspect, the cover member can be easily accessed.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twenty-second aspects except the seventh aspect is constructed such that the cover member is made of a plastic material.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-third aspect, the cover member can be lightweight and will not rust.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twenty-second aspects is constructed such that the cover member is made of a metal material.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the cover member can be durable.

In addition, other purposes, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle operating device will become clear to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings discloses preferred bicycle operating devices Example.

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art of bicycles will appreciate from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided by way of illustration only and not in limitation of what is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents The purpose of the present invention.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-5 , a portion of a handlebar H of a bicycle is shown equipped with a bicycle operating device 10 according to an illustrative embodiment. Here, the bicycle operating device 10 basically includes a base member 12 , an operating member 14 and a cover member 16 . The base member 12 is configured to be mounted to a bicycle component. Here, the bicycle component is the handlebar H. However, the base member 12 can be configured to be mounted to other bicycle components of a bicycle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is arranged, for example, on the right side of the handlebar H so as to be operated by the rider's right hand. Alternatively, the bicycle operating device 10 can be constructed as a mirror image and arranged on the left side of the handlebar H. As shown in FIG. Although the handlebar H is a straight type handlebar (MTB handlebar) in the depicted embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 can be configured to be mounted on other types of bicycles such as drop-down handlebars (road handlebars). Bundle. The bicycle operating device 10 also includes a handlebar mounting member 18 . The handlebar mounting member 18 defines a handlebar receiving opening 18a having a handlebar axis A1. The handlebar mounting member 18 is constructed to be mounted to the handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar mounting member 18 is preferably made of a strong rigid material such as a metallic material or a reinforced resin material. Here, the handlebar mounting member 18 includes a handlebar clamp 20 and a tightening bolt 22 for tightening the handlebar clamp 20 around the handlebar H. As shown in FIG. Although the handlebar clamp 20 is shown as a one-piece unitary member (i.e., a non-articulated clamp), the handlebar clamp 20 could be an articulated clamp with a pair of curved jaws that The jaws are pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a compression bolt 22 .

In the depicted embodiment, a bicycle operating device 10 is configured to be operatively coupled to a bicycle assembly BC via a cable C as seen in FIG. 1 . Preferably, as seen in FIG. 1 , the cable C is a conventional bicycle operating cable having an outer sleeve C1 covering the inner wire C2. In other words, the cable C is a Bowden-type cable in which the inner wire C2 is slidably received within the outer sleeve C1 . The inner wire C2 has a cable nipple or attachment barrel C3 (see FIGS. 7 and 12 ) for attaching the inner wire C2 to the bicycle operating device 10 as discussed below. The bicycle operating device 10 operates the bicycle component BC by selectively pulling and releasing the inner wire C2. Therefore, the bicycle operating device 10 constitutes a bicycle cable operating device. The inner wire C2 of the cable C is drawn into and released from the base member 12 as described below.

In the depicted embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is constructed as a derailleur for controlling the gears of a shifting device (bicycle component BC) such as a derailleur or an inner shifting hub. However, the bicycle operating device 10 can be used as a bicycle control device for operating other types of bicycle components (eg, hangers, adjustable seat posts, etc.) as needed and/or desired. In the depicted embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the bicycle operating device 10 has a plurality of operating positions.

In the depicted embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 includes an additional operating member 24 . The user selectively operates the operating member 14 to pull the inner wire C2 of the cable C, or operates the additional operating member 24 to release the inner wire C2 of the cable C. Thus, the operating member 14 constitutes a first user operating member and the additional operating member 24 constitutes a second user operating member.

Here, the operating member 14 and the additional operating member 24 are levers that are pivotally mounted to the base member 12 . Thus, the operating member 14 is a wire pulling lever used to pull the inner wire C2 of the cable C into the base member 12 . On the other hand, the additional operating member 24 is a cable release lever used to release the inner wire C2 of the cable C from the base member 12 . However, the bicycle operating device 10 is not limited to this illustrated embodiment. For example, the bicycle operating device 10 can be constructed to have only a single operating member that performs both the pulling operation and the releasing operation. Furthermore, the bicycle operating device 10 can be constructed with one or more operating members linearly movable relative to the base member 12 .

The operating member 14 is movable relative to the base member 12 between a rest position and an operating position. In particular, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 8 , the operating member 14 is pivotally mounted relative to the base member 12 so as to be in a rest position ( FIG. 2 ) and an operating position ( FIG. 8 ) in a first direction D1 . ) to move around the pivot axis A2. As explained below, the pulling operation of the inner wire C2 is performed by the pivotal movement of the operation member 14 in the first direction D1 from the rest position ( FIG. 2 ) to the operation position ( FIG. 8 ). The term "rest position" as used herein refers to a state where a component (eg, operating member 14 ) remains stationary without the user needing to hold the component in that state. On the other hand, the term “actuated position” as used herein refers to a temporary state in which a component (for example, the operating member 14 ) is temporarily held in a position due to an external force input into the bicycle operating device 10 . Since the configuration of the operating member 14 is well known, the operation and configuration of the operating member 14 will not be discussed in more detail.

Similar to the operating member 14, the additional operating member 24 is movable relative to the base member 12 between a rest position and an operative position. In particular, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 9 , the additional operating member 24 is pivotably mounted relative to the base member 12 to be in a rest position ( FIG. 2 ) and an operating position ( FIG. 2 ) in a second direction D2. 9) to move around the pivot axis A2. As explained below, the releasing operation of the inner wire C2 is carried out by the pivotal movement of the additional operating member 24 in the second direction D2 from the rest position ( FIG. 2 ) to the operating position ( FIG. 9 ). However, the additional operating member 24 is also mounted pivotably relative to the base member 12 so as to be in a third direction D3 between a rest position ( FIG. 2 ) and an operating position ( FIG. 10 ) about the pivot axis A3 moves. The pivot axis A3 is offset and parallel to the pivot axis A2. As explained below, the releasing operation of the inner wire C2 is carried out by the pivotal movement of the additional operating member 24 in the third direction D3 from the rest position ( FIG. 2 ) to the operating position ( FIG. 10 ). Since the configuration of the additional operating member 24 is well known, the operation and configuration of the additional operating member 24 will not be discussed in more detail.

The base member 12 has an inner area 26 and an access opening 28 communicating with the inner area 26 . Basically, the base component 12 has a first housing part 30 and a second housing part 32 . The first housing part 30 has an access opening 28 . The access opening 28 is completely surrounded by the first housing part 30 . The second housing part 32 is attached to the first housing part 30 . For example, the first housing part 30 and the second housing part 32 can be snapped together or fastened together by fasteners such as screws. Alternatively, the first housing part 30 and the second housing part 32 can be adhesively fastened together.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the second housing part 32 has a notch 36 formed at the seam where the second housing part 32 mates with the first housing part 30 . The additional operating member 24 extends through the notch 36 . The notch 36 is dimensioned to allow movement of the additional operating member 24 from the rest position of FIG. 2 to the operative position of FIGS. 9 and 10 . Also, as seen in FIG. 11 , the second housing part 32 has an opening 38 for receiving the operating member 14 , as seen in FIG. 11 .

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first housing part 30 of the base member 12 defines an exit aperture 40 through which the cable C is paid out. The outlet aperture 40 is configured to receive a barrel adjuster 42 as seen in FIG. 11 . The exit hole 40 is aligned with the access opening 28 such that the cable C can be inserted straight into the access opening 28 and straight out of the exit hole 40 .

The cover member 16 is slidably mounted in the access opening 28 . In particular, the cover member 16 is capable of closing the access opening 28 in a first position ( FIGS. 2 , 4 and 6 ) and at least partially exposing the access opening 28 in a second position ( FIGS. 3 , 28 ) in the sliding direction SD. 5 and FIG. 7 ) is coupled to the base member 12 in a sliding manner. Preferably, at least one of the cover member 16 and the base member 12 is elastically deformable. In this way, the cover member 16 can be easily installed into the access opening 28 of the base member 12 . In case the base member 12 is made of rigid plastic material or metal material, the cover member 16 is elastically deformable. On the other hand, in case the cover member 16 is made of rigid plastic material or metal material, the base member 12 is elastically deformable. Therefore, in case the base member 12 is elastically deformable, the cover member 16 is made of plastic material, or the cover member 16 is made of metal material.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15 , the base member 12 and internal components of the bicycle operating device 10 will now be discussed. Basically, the base member 12 also includes an inner support for supporting the inner components of the bicycle operating device 10 , the inner support has a first support plate 44 , a second support plate 46 and mounting bolts 48 . The fixing nut 50 (refer to FIG. 11 ) is screwed onto the mounting bolt 48 to connect the first support plate 44 and the second support plate 46 .

The operating member 14 is also pivotally supported on the mounting bolt 48 . The mounting bolt 48 also defines the pivot axis A2. The additional operating member 24 is movably coupled to the second support plate 46 for selectively pivoting about the pivot axis A2 or the second pivot axis P2. The bicycle operating device 10 also includes a biasing element 54 for biasing the operating member 14 and the additional operating member 24 to their respective rest positions. The biasing element 54 has one end operatively coupled to the operating member 14 and the other end operatively coupled to the additional operating member 24 . In this way, the operating member 14 and the additional operating member 24 are constructed to have a trigger action such that each of the operating member 14 and the additional operating member 24 automatically automatically when moved from the rest position to the operating position and released. Return to resting position.

The handlebar attachment member 18 , the first housing member 30 and the second housing member 32 are fixed to the first support plate 44 and the second support plate 46 . Thus, the handlebar mounting member 18 , the first housing part 30 , the second housing part 32 , the first support plate part 44 and the second support plate part 46 can be considered as stationary base parts of the bicycle operating device 10 . The handlebar mounting member 18 is removably attached to the first support plate 44 and the second support plate 46 . Specifically, the handlebar clamp 20 of the handlebar mounting member 18 is attached to the first support plate 44 by means of a first fixing bolt 56 . The handlebar clamp 20 of the handlebar mounting member 18 is attached to the second support plate 46 by means of a second fixing bolt 58 .

The bicycle handling device 10 also includes a take-up member 60 . The take-up member 60 is disposed within the interior region 26 of the base member 12 and is movable relative to the base member 12 . The take-up member 60 is configured to move relative to the base member 12 to selectively move the cable in a pulling direction X1 and a releasing direction X2 opposite the pulling direction. Here, the take-up member 60 is rotatably mounted on the mounting bolt 48 . Thus, the pivot axis A2 of the mounting bolt 48 coincides with the rotation axis A2 of the take-up member 60 . In this way, the take-up member 60 is mounted rotatably about the rotation axis A2 relative to the base member 12 . Preferably, as in the depicted embodiment, the axis of rotation A2 is contained in a predetermined reference plane RP perpendicular to the handlebar axis A1 . The operating member 14 has a user input part 14a disposed on the first side S1 of the predetermined reference plane RP. Likewise, the additional operating member 24 has a user input part 24a arranged on the first side S1 of the predetermined reference plane RP. The access opening 28 of the base member 12 is arranged on the first side S1 of the predetermined reference plane RP. The outlet hole 40 is arranged on the second side S2 of the predetermined reference plane RP.

As seen in FIG. 14 , the take-up member 60 includes a cable attachment structure 60 a configured to attach a cable C to the take-up member 60 . Here, the cable attachment structure 60a includes a recess configured to support the attachment barrel C3 of the inner wire C2 and a wire receiving bore that receives the inner wire C2 passing through the wire receiving bore. In this way, the inner wire C2 is attached to the take-up member 60 by the cable attachment structure 60 a, so that the inner wire C2 can be selectively pulled or released according to the rotation of the take-up member 60 . A biasing element 61 is provided between the first support plate 44 and the take-up member 60 to bias the take-up member 60 in the release direction X2. The exit aperture 40, the attachment structure 60a and the access opening 28 are aligned on a straight line with the take-up member 60 in a predetermined phase. Here, the predetermined phase corresponds to the take-up member 60 in the fully released position.

The operating member 14 is operatively connected by a cable C such that the operation of the operating member 14 is linked to the take-up member 60 . In particular, the bicycle operating device 10 further includes a positioning ratchet 62 , a positioning pawl 64 , a pulling pawl 66 and a releasing pawl 68 . The positioning ratchet 62 and the positioning pawl 64 define a positioning mechanism of the bicycle operating device 10 that is operated in response to the operation of the operating member 14 and the additional operating member 24 . Positioning mechanisms for bicycle operating devices are well known, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, the positioning mechanism of the bicycle operating device 10 will only be briefly described.

The positioning ratchet 62 is non-movably coupled to the take-up member 60 such that the take-up member 60 and the positioning ratchet 62 move relative to the base member 12 as a unit. Accordingly, the positioning ratchet 62 is pivotally mounted on the mounting bolt 48 . Here, take-up member 60 and positioning ratchet 62 are separate components that are coupled together to move as a unit. Alternatively, the positioning ratchet 62 can be integrally formed as part of the take-up member 60 so as to be a one-piece member.

The positioning pawl 64 is pivotally disposed on the second support plate 46 and is biased to engage with the positioning ratchet 62 . The positioning ratchet 62 includes a plurality of positioning ratchet teeth. The positioning ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet 62 selectively engage and disengage the positioning pawl 64 to position the take-up member 60 relative to the base member 12 . In the case of a pulling operation, the take-up member 60 and the positioning ratchet 62 rotate about the pivot axis A2 in the pulling direction X1 in response to the operating member 14 being operated. In the case of a release operation, the take-up member 60 and the positioning ratchet 62 rotate about the pivot axis A2 in the release direction X2 in response to the additional operating member 24 being operated.

The pulling pawl 66 is provided on the operating member 14 such that the pulling pawl 66 is moved as the operating member 14 moves. The positioning ratchet 62 is moved from one of the predetermined positions to a different one of the predetermined positions in response to the operating member 14 being moved from the rest position to the operating position. More precisely, the pulling pawl 66 selectively engages one of the positioning ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet 62 to move the take-up member 60 in the pulling direction X1 during the pulling operation. In case the positioning ratchet 62 moves in the pulling direction X1 during the pulling operation, the take-up member 60 pivots in the pulling direction X1 relative to the base member 12 . The take-up member 60 can be moved by one or more predetermined positions depending on the amount of movement of the operating member 14 about the pivot axis A2.

The release pawl 68 is pivotally disposed on the second support plate 46 . The release pawl 68 is moved in response to the additional operation member 24 being operated in the second direction D2 or the third direction D3 to perform a release operation. Here, the bicycle operating device 10 further includes a first release member 70 pivotably attached to the mounting bolt 48 , and a second release member 72 pivotally attached to the first release member 70 . The positioning pawl 64 is disengaged from the positioning ratchet 62 by the release pawl 68 being pivoted by the second release member 72 . More precisely, in response to the release operation of the additional operating member 24, the first release member 72 and the second release member 72 are moved from the rest position to the operating position to pivot the release pawl 68 from the non-release position to the release position. . This movement of the release pawl 68 from the non-release position to the release position causes the positioning pawl 64 to disengage from one of the positioning ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet 62 . As a result, the take-up member 60 and the positioning ratchet 62 can be moved in the releasing direction X2 in response to the additional operating member 24 being operated in the second direction D2 or the third direction D3.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-29 , the portion of the cover member 16 and first housing component 30 that includes the access opening 28 will be discussed in further detail. As mentioned above, the cover member 16 is capable of closing the access opening 28 in the first position ( FIGS. 2 , 4 and 6 ) and at least partially exposing the access opening 28 in the second position ( FIG. 2 ) in the sliding direction SD. 3. The way of sliding between Fig. 5 and Fig. 7) is set in the access opening 28. Here, the sliding direction SD moves on a plane that is not parallel to the rotation axis A2 of the take-up member 60 . Also, the slide direction SD moves on a plane that is not perpendicular to the rotation axis A2 of the take-up member 60 .

As mentioned above, the first housing part 30 of the base member 14 defines the access opening 28 . The first housing part 30 of the base member 12 has an edge 80 that defines the access opening 28 . More precisely, the first housing part 30 of the base member 12 comprises a first sliding edge portion 81 and a second sliding edge portion 82 . The first sliding edge portion 81 and the second sliding edge portion 82 are parallel and located on opposite sides of the access opening 28 . The first housing part 30 of the base member 12 also includes a first end edge portion 83 and a second end edge portion 84 . The first end edge portion 83 and the second end edge portion 84 are transverse to the sliding direction SD. In this way, the first sliding edge portion 81 , the second sliding edge portion 82 , the first end edge portion 83 and the second end edge portion 84 form an edge 80 delimiting the access opening 28 . Here, therefore, the access opening 28 has a quadrangular shape.

As seen in FIGS. 22 and 23 , the base member 12 also includes a first recess 85 and a second recess 86 . As seen in FIG. 22 , the first recess 85 is configured to engage the cover member 16 to maintain the cover member 16 in the first position. As seen in FIG. 23 , the second recess 86 is configured to engage the cover member 16 to maintain the cover member 16 in the second position.

As seen in Figure 25, edge 80 has a first point 80a and a second point 80b. The second point 80b is located on the opposite side of the access opening 28 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation A2. In other words, the first point 80 a is located on the first sliding edge portion 81 , and the second point 80 b is located on the second sliding edge portion 82 . The first point 80a is spaced apart from the axis of rotation A2 by a first distance L1. The second point 80b is spaced apart from the axis of rotation A2 by a second distance L2 different from the first distance L1.

Referring back to FIGS. 16-18 , the base member 12 includes a recess 88 disposed on the interior surface 30 a of the base member 12 . As explained later, the recess 88 is configured to rest on the cover member 16 as it slides between a first position ( FIG. 16 ) and a second position ( FIG. 17 ) closing the access opening 28 .

In the depicted embodiment, the cover member 16 clamps a portion of the base member 12 that defines the access opening 28 . In particular, the cover member 16 has a first portion 90 and a second portion 91 . The first portion 90 is disposed on the outside of the base member 12 . The second portion 91 is disposed in the interior region 26 of the base member 12 . The first portion 90 of the cover member 16 includes an outer surface 90a having a structure 90b that facilitates gripping of the cover member 16 . Here, the structure 90 b includes a plurality of grooves extending in a direction transverse to the sliding direction of the cover member 16 .

Here, the cover member 16 is slidably disposed on the flat surface 30 a of the base member 12 . More precisely, the first housing part 30 of the base member 12 has a flat surface 30a on which the first portion 90 of the cover member 16 slides. To facilitate sliding of the cover member 16 , the cover member 16 includes a first groove 92 which receives the first sliding edge portion 81 of the base member 12 . Also, the cover member 16 includes a second groove 93 that receives the second sliding edge portion 82 of the base member 12 . In this manner, the access opening 28 includes a straight edge portion that slidably engages the cover member 16 .

As seen in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the cover member 16 includes an extension 94 disposed within the interior region 26 of the base member 12 . Accordingly, the extension portion 94 is part of the second portion 91 of the cover member 16 . The recess 88 includes a first recess portion 88a and a second recess portion 88b. The first recess portion 88 a and the second recess portion 88 b are provided on opposite sides of the access opening 28 . Here, preferably, the recess 88a on the inner surface 30a of the base member 12 receives the extension 94 with the cover member 16 in the first position closing the access opening 28 , as seen in FIG. 16 . On the other hand, with the cover member 16 in the second position exposing the access opening 28 , the recess 88b on the interior surface 30a of the base member 12 receives the extension 94 as seen in FIG. 17 . Accordingly, the extension portion 94 extends beyond one of the first end edge portion 83 and the second end edge portion 84 in the sliding direction SD in a state where the cover member 16 is located at the first position. Here, the extension portion 94 extends beyond the first end edge portion 83 in the sliding direction SD in a state where the cover member 16 is located at the first position. Also, here, the extension portion 94 extends beyond the second end edge portion 84 in the sliding direction SD in a state where the cover member 16 is located at the second position exposing the access opening 28 . Accordingly, the cover member 16 overlaps a portion of the inner surface 30a of the base member 12 with the cover member 16 at the second position.

As seen in FIGS. 22 and 23 , the cover member 16 includes structures that produce tactile feedback in the event that the cover member 16 is moved to the first position. Also, the cover member 16 includes a structure for generating tactile feedback when the cover member 16 is moved to the second position. Here, the same structure of the cover member 16 produces tactile feedback if the cover member 16 is moved to the first position, and produces tactile feedback if the cover member 16 is moved to the second position. In particular, the cover member 16 includes an indentation 95 that engages the first recess 85 of the first housing component 30 of the base member 12 to provide tactile feedback when the cover member 16 is moved to the first position, as shown in FIG. Seen in 22. The indentation 95 engages the second recess 86 of the first housing component 30 of the base member 12 to produce tactile feedback with the cover member 16 moved to the second position, as seen in FIG. 23 .

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives used herein are intended to be open-ended terms defining 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 with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising", "having" and derivatives thereof. Also, the terms "part", "section", "section", "member", or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single component or a plurality of components, unless otherwise indicated.

As used herein, the following directional terms "side facing the frame", "side not facing the frame", "forward", "backward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", " Above, Below, Up, Down, Top, Bottom, Side, Vertical, Horizontal, Vertical and Transversal, and any other similar Directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in the upright riding position and equipped with bicycle controls. Accordingly, these directional terms employed to describe a bicycle operating device should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with a bicycle 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 as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and "left" when referring to the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

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

Also, it will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one 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.

As used herein, the terms "attached" and "attached" encompass: a configuration in which an element is directly secured to another element by directly securing the element to another element; configurations in which 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 other element; and an element is integrally formed with the other element (that is, an element is essentially is part of another component). This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, eg "connected", "connected", "coupled", "installed", "coupled", "fixed" and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean an amount of variation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

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 without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims Various changes 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 function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate 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, and vice versa, unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. All advantages need not necessarily be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature which is unique over the prior art, whether alone or in combination with other features, shall also be considered a separate statement of a further invention of the applicant, including the structural and/or functional features embodied by such feature. concept. Therefore, the foregoing descriptions according to the embodiments of the present invention are only for illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the present invention defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

10: Bicycle operating device 12: Base member 14: Operating components 14a: User input component 16: cover member 18:Handlebar mounting member 18a: Handlebar receiving opening 20:Handlebar Clamp 22: Compression bolt 24: additional operating components 24a: User input means 26: Inner area 28: access opening 30: First housing part 30a: Internal surface, flat surface 32: Second housing part 36: Gap 40:Exit hole 42: barrel adjuster 44: The first support plate 46: The second support plate 48: Mounting Bolts 50: Fixed nut 54: Bias component 56: The first fixing bolt 58:Second fixing bolt 60: coiling member 61: Bias element 62: positioning ratchet 68: release pawl 70: first release member 72: second release member 80: edge 80a: first point 80b: The second point 81: First sliding edge part 82: Second sliding edge part 83: first end edge portion 84: second end edge portion 85: the first recess 86: Second recess 88: Concave 88a: First recess portion 88b: Second recess portion 90: Part 1 90a: External surface 90b: Structure 91: Part Two 92: The first groove 93: Second groove 94: Extended part 95: Dent A1: handlebar axis A2: pivot axis, rotation axis A3: Pivot axis BC: Bicycle Components C: cable C1: Outer casing C2: inner wire C3: Attach barrel D1: the first direction D2: Second direction D3: Third direction H: handlebar L1: first distance L2: second distance RP: Predetermined Reference Plane S1: first side S2: second side SD: sliding direction X1: pulling direction X2: release direction

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof.

[ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view of a part of a handlebar of a bicycle equipped with a bicycle operating device according to an illustrative embodiment.

[ FIG. 2 ] is a top view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar as shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the first operating member and the second operating member are at rest positions, and wherein the cover member is at the closed access The first position of the opening.

[ FIG. 3 ], similar to FIG. 2 , is a top view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , but wherein the cover member is in a second position exposing the access opening.

[ FIG. 4 ] is a perspective view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , wherein the cover member is located at a first position closing the access opening.

[ FIG. 5 ], similar to FIG. 4 , is a perspective view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , but wherein the cover member is in a second position exposing the access opening.

[ FIG. 6 ] is an outside view of the bicycle operating device shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , in which the user input part of the second operating member has been omitted, and in which the cover member is located at the first position closing the access opening.

[ FIG. 7 ], similar to FIG. 6 , is an outside view of the bicycle operating device shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , but wherein the cover member is located at a second position exposing the access opening.

[ FIG. 8 ] is a top view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 , in which the first operating member has been moved in the first direction from the rest position to the operating position , to perform a cable pull operation.

[ FIG. 9 ] is a top view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 , wherein the second operating member has been moved in the second direction from the rest position to the first operating position for cable release operations.

[ FIG. 10 ] is a top view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar as shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 , in which the second operating member has been moved from the rest position to the second operation in the third direction position for the cable release operation.

[ Fig. 11 ] is a bottom view of the bicycle operating device shown in Figs. 1 to 10 .

[ Fig. 12 ] is an inside view of the bicycle operating device shown in Figs. 1 to 11 .

[ Fig. 13 ] is a partially exploded perspective view of selected parts of the bicycle operating device shown in Figs. 1 to 12 .

[ FIG. 14 ] is a top view of selected parts of the bicycle operating device shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 , where the first operating member and the second operating member are at rest positions.

[ Fig. 15 ], similar to Fig. 14 , is a top view of selected parts of the bicycle operating device shown in Figs. 1 to 12 , in which additional parts have been omitted.

[ FIG. 16 ] is a partial bottom view of the first housing part and the cover member of the base member of the bicycle operating device shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 , wherein the cover member is in a first position closing the access opening.

[ FIG. 17 ], similar to FIG. 16 , is a partial bottom view of the first housing part of the base member and the cover member, wherein the cover member is in a second position exposing the access opening.

[ Fig. 18 ], similar to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 , is a partial lower view of the first housing part of the base member, in which the cover member has been omitted.

[ FIG. 19 ] is a partial bottom view of the first housing part and the cover member of the base member of the bicycle operating device shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 , wherein the cover member is in a first position closing the access opening.

[ FIG. 20 ], similar to FIG. 19 , is a partial bottom view of the first housing part of the base member and the cover member, wherein the cover member is in a second position exposing the access opening.

[ Fig. 21 ], similar to Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 , is a partial lower view of the first housing part of the base member, in which the cover member has been omitted.

[ Fig. 22 ] is a cross-sectional view of the first case member and the cover member of the base member taken along the section line 22-22 in Fig. 16 .

[ Fig. 23 ] is a sectional view of the first case member and the cover member of the base member taken along the section line 23-23 in Fig. 17 .

[ Fig. 24 ] is a cross-sectional view of the first case member and the cover member of the base member taken along the section line 24-24 in Fig. 19 .

[ Fig. 25 ] is a cross-sectional view of the first case member and the cover member of the base member taken along the section line 25-25 in Fig. 20 .

[ Fig. 26 ] is a cross-sectional view of the first case member and the cover member of the base member taken along the section line 26-26 in Fig. 19 .

[ Fig. 27 ] It is an oblique sectional view of the first case member and the cover member of the base member taken along the section line 27 - 27 in Fig. 20 .

[ Fig. 28 ] is a first perspective view of selected parts of a cover member used for the bicycle operating device shown in Figs. 1 to 12 .

[ Fig. 29 ] is a second perspective view of selected parts of the cover member shown in Fig. 28 .

[ Fig. 30 ] is a second perspective view of selected parts of the cover member shown in Figs. 28 and 29 .

10: Bicycle operating device

12: Base member

14: Operating components

14a: User input means

16: cover member

18:Handlebar mounting member

18a: Handlebar receiving opening

20:Handlebar Clamp

22: Compression bolt

24: additional operating components

26: Inner area

28: access opening

30: First housing part

32: Second housing part

36: Gap

58:Second fixing bolt

A1: handlebar axis

C3: Attach barrel

SD: sliding direction

Claims (24)

A bicycle operating device comprising: a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle component, the base member having an interior region and an access opening communicating with the interior region; an operating member movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operating position; and a cover member slidably coupled to the base member in a sliding direction between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening, The cover member has a first portion disposed outside of the base member, and a second portion disposed in the interior region of the base member. A bicycle operating device comprising: a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle component, the base member having an interior region and an access opening communicating with the interior region; an operating member movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operating position; and a cover member coupled to the base member in a sliding direction between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening, the cover member being is slidably disposed on a flat surface of the base member. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The cover member clamps a portion of the base member defining the access opening. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The base member has a first housing part with the access opening completely surrounded by the first housing part and a second housing part to which the second housing part is attached. The bicycle operating device as described in Claim 1 or 2, further comprising a take-up member disposed in the interior region of the base member and movable relative to the base member, wherein The cover member overlaps a portion of the inner surface of the base member with the cover member in the second position. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein At least one of the cover member and the base member is elastically deformable. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 6, wherein The cover member is elastically deformable. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The cover member includes an exterior surface having a structure that facilitates gripping of the cover member. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The access opening includes a straight edge portion that slidably engages the cover member. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The access opening has a quadrangular shape. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The cover member includes a first groove that receives the first sliding edge portion of the base member. The bicycle operating device according to claim 11, wherein The cover member includes a second groove that receives a second sliding edge portion of the base member, the first sliding edge portion and the second sliding edge portion being parallel and on opposite sides of the access opening. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the base member includes a first end edge portion and a second end edge portion transverse to the sliding direction, and The cover member includes an extension portion provided in the inner region of the base member, the extension portion extending in the sliding direction beyond the first end edge portion and the one of the second end edge portions. The bicycle operating device according to claim 13, wherein The base member includes a recess provided on an inner surface of the base member that receives the extension when the cover member is in the first position closing the access opening. The bicycle operating device as described in Claim 1 or 2, further comprising a take-up member disposed in the interior region of the base member and movable relative to the base member, wherein the take-up member is configured to move relative to the base member to selectively move the cable in a pulling direction and a releasing direction opposite the pulling direction, the take-up member includes a cable attachment structure configured to attach the cable to the take-up member, and The operating member is operatively connected by the cable such that operation of the operating member is coupled to the take-up member. The bicycle operating device as described in Claim 1 or 2, further comprising a handlebar mounting member defining a handlebar receiving opening having a handlebar axis, and a take-up member disposed in the interior region of the base member and movable relative to the base member, wherein the take-up member is mounted rotatably relative to the base member about an axis of rotation contained in a predetermined reference plane perpendicular to the handlebar axis, the operating member has a user input part disposed on a first side of the predetermined reference plane, and The access opening of the base member is disposed on the first side of the predetermined reference plane. The bicycle operating device according to claim 16, wherein The base member has an edge bounding the access opening, the edge having a first point and a second point, the second point being on the opposite side of the access opening in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the first point A first distance is spaced from the axis of rotation, and the second point is spaced from the axis of rotation by a second distance different from the first distance. The bicycle operating device according to claim 16, wherein the base member defines an exit aperture through which the cable is paid out, and The exit aperture, the attachment structure and the access opening are aligned on a straight line with the take-up member in a predetermined phase. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The cover member includes a structure that generates tactile feedback when the cover member is moved to the first position. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The cover member includes a structure that generates tactile feedback when the cover member is moved to the second position. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The sliding direction moves in a plane that is not parallel to the axis of rotation of the take-up member. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The sliding direction moves in a plane that is not perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the take-up member. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The cover component is made of plastic material. The bicycle operating device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein The cover member is made of metal material.

Images