TWI634040B - Bar-end type bicycle hydraulic operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a handlebar end type bicycle hydraulic operating device which basically has a base member and a hydraulic unit. The base member is structurally designed to be mounted to a handlebar. The base member has a structural design to contact one of the ends of the handle. The hydraulic unit is disposed on the base member. The hydraulic unit includes a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder bore, a piston movably disposed therein, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the cylinder bore.

Description

Handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device [Cross-Reference to Related Applications]

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/468,196, filed on August 25, 2014. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/468,196 is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention generally relates to a handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device having a hydraulic unit having a hydraulic cylinder and a reservoir in fluid communication with one of the cylinder bores of the hydraulic cylinder.

Typically, most bicycles have a handle-operated operating device for operating various bicycle components of a bicycle. A curved handle bends forward away from the rider and allows the rider to ride in a distorted position. Typically, each end of the curved handle has a "handle end operating device" having an attachment portion disposed within the end of the curved handlebar. In some instances, the handle end operating devices can include both a shift operating device and a brake operating device. An example of a handle-type end effector having one of the attachment portions disposed in the end of the curved handlebar is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0011197.

In recent years, bicycles have had hydraulic systems for operating various bicycle components. Bicycle hydraulic systems typically have hydraulic operating devices that are coupled to one or more bicycle hydraulic actuation assemblies via one or more hydraulic hoses. On a bicycle hydraulic brake system In other words, a brake lever is typically provided as one of the hydraulic operating devices fluidly coupled to a brake caliper (e.g., a hydraulic operating device) by a hydraulic hose.

In general, the present invention is directed to various features of a hand held bicycle hydraulic operating device. In one embodiment, a one-handed end bicycle hydraulic operating device has a hydraulic unit having a hydraulic cylinder and a reservoir in fluid communication with one of the cylinder bores of the hydraulic cylinder.

One of the hydraulic operating devices having a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the cylinder bore of the hydraulic cylinder is referred to as an open hydraulic operating device. On the other hand, a hydraulic operating device that does not have a fluid reservoir is referred to as a closed hydraulic operating device.

In view of the state of the art, and in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device is provided that basically includes a base member and a hydraulic unit. The base member is structurally designed to be mounted to a handlebar. The base member has a structural design to contact one of the ends of the handle. The hydraulic unit is disposed on the base member. The hydraulic unit includes a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder bore, a piston movably disposed therein, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the cylinder bore.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the first aspect is structurally designed such that the hydraulic cylinder is at least partially disposed in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handle Inside the handlebar.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the second aspect is structurally designed such that the receptacle is disposed in the state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar Hand outside.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the third aspect is structurally designed such that the base member includes a structural design to contact one of the outer surfaces of one of the outer surfaces of the handle Put the fixed structure.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the end bicycle according to the third aspect The hydraulic operating device is structurally designed such that the base member includes a fluid passage connecting the cylinder bore and the reservoir.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the fifth aspect is structurally designed such that the base member has a recess disposed between the cylinder bore and the receptacle, and a cover that is structurally designed to cover the recess to define a space between the recess and the cover; and the fluid passage includes the space between the recess and the cover.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the fifth aspect is structurally designed such that the fluid passage includes a first passage portion and a second passage portion, the second passage portion One of the cross-sectional dimensions is greater than the first channel portion in a direction transverse to one of the fluid flow directions between the cylinder bore and the reservoir.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the seventh aspect is structurally designed such that the fluid passage further includes a third passage portion. The second passage portion has an opening. The second passage portion is disposed between the first passage portion and the third passage portion. The base member has a cover that is structurally designed to cover the opening of the second passage portion.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the fifth aspect is structurally designed such that the fluid passage has a connecting portion adjacent to a port of the hydraulic cylinder, the connecting portion being Transversely extending in one of a direction of fluid flow between the cylinder bore and the reservoir.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the second aspect is structurally designed such that the receptacle is at least partially disposed in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handle Inside the handlebar.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the tenth aspect is structurally designed such that the base member includes a structural design to contact an outer surface of one of the outer surfaces of the handle Handle the fixed structure.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the first aspect is structurally designed such that the hydraulic cylinder is disposed in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar The handle is outside.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the twelfth aspect is structurally designed such that the receptacle is placed in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar Outside the handle.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the twelfth aspect is structurally designed such that the receptacle is at least in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar Partially placed in the handlebar.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the hand-held end bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the first aspect further includes: an operating member that is structurally designed to operate the hydraulic unit; and an additional unit that is disposed On the base member and one of the operating members.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the fifteenth aspect is structurally designed such that the additional unit is structurally designed to operate a control cable.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the sixteenth aspect is structurally designed such that the additional unit is mounted on the base member.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the fifteenth aspect is structurally designed such that the additional unit includes an electric switch.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the end bicycle hydraulic operating device according to the eighteenth aspect is structurally designed such that the electric switch is mounted on the operating member.

In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate the following detailed description of one embodiment of an embodiment of a handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device in conjunction with the drawings to further disclose other objects, features, and aspects of the hand held end bicycle hydraulic operating device. And advantages.

1‧‧‧Bicycle

2‧‧‧handle

2A‧‧‧Outer surface

2B‧‧‧Internal

2C‧‧‧

10A‧‧‧Right hand end bicycle hydraulic operating device

10B‧‧‧Left-handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device

12‧‧‧Base member

12a‧‧‧Intersection

14‧‧‧Hydraulic unit

16‧‧‧Transmission unit

18‧‧‧First operating member

18a‧‧‧Installation section

18b‧‧‧Free distal part

20‧‧‧Second operating member

20a‧‧‧Actuating parts

22‧‧‧Base section

22a‧‧‧Remote

24‧‧‧Transmission unit attachment section

26‧‧‧Coupling section

26a‧‧‧Installation surface

28‧‧‧ screws

30‧‧‧ nuts

32‧‧‧ screws

34‧‧‧First input component

36‧‧‧Second input component

38‧‧‧Cable take-up member/reel

40‧‧‧Main shifting shaft

60‧‧‧ screws

62‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder

62a‧‧‧ cylinder bore

62b‧‧‧Fluid outlet

64‧‧‧Piston

66‧‧‧ piston rod

66a‧‧‧Pivot pin

68‧‧‧ biasing element

70‧‧‧ receptacle

70a‧‧‧ storage tank

70b‧‧‧stor cover

70c‧‧‧Baffle

72‧‧‧ screws

74‧‧‧ fluid passage

76‧‧‧ fluid passage

80‧‧‧ Attachment components

80a‧‧‧Actuating parts

82‧‧‧ nuts

84‧‧‧ biasing element

86‧‧‧ pivot shaft

90‧‧‧ pivot shaft

92‧‧‧ biasing element

110‧‧‧Right hand end bicycle hydraulic operating device

112‧‧‧Base member

112a‧‧‧Intersection

114‧‧‧Hydraulic unit

116‧‧‧Transmission unit

126‧‧‧handle coupling part

160‧‧‧ screws

162‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder

162a‧‧‧ cylinder bore

162b‧‧‧Fluid outlet

164‧‧‧Piston

170‧‧‧ receptacle

171‧‧ ‧ partition

174‧‧‧ fluid passage

176‧‧‧ fluid passage

210‧‧‧Right hand end bicycle hydraulic operating device

212‧‧‧Base member

212A‧‧‧Interfacing Department

214‧‧‧Hydraulic unit

215‧‧‧External handlebar fixing structure

216‧‧‧Transmission unit

216A‧‧‧ cable take-up member

220‧‧‧First operational component

220A‧‧‧Rotating components

220B‧‧‧ rod members

220C‧‧‧ pivot pin

222‧‧‧Second operating member

222A‧‧‧Base section

222B‧‧‧ rod members

224‧‧‧ first (handle) attachment

226‧‧‧Second (Operating Unit) Attachment

228‧‧‧Guided structure

234‧‧‧handle contact surface

236‧‧‧Installation opening

238‧‧‧ nuts

240‧‧‧ screws

242‧‧‧ wall section

244‧‧‧ first opening

246‧‧‧ second opening

248‧‧‧fastener mounting column

252‧‧‧Integrated cover part

254‧‧‧Under the cover part

256‧‧‧Upper cover part

260‧‧‧handle joint member/clamp

260a‧‧‧ inner surface

262‧‧‧Locking structure

264‧‧‧Operating components

264a‧‧‧Tool access section

266‧‧‧ fixing bolts

268‧‧‧Washers

270‧‧‧handle receiving opening

272‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder

272A‧‧‧ hollow shaft

272B‧‧‧ cable channel

273‧‧‧Piston

274‧‧‧Storage

274A‧‧‧ Cover

274B‧‧‧filling port

274C‧‧‧ storage tank

275‧‧‧ cylinder bore

276‧‧‧Hydraulic hose inlet

277‧‧‧Flexible partition

278‧‧‧Hydraulic pipe

279‧‧‧ fluid passage

280‧‧‧Additional units

280A‧‧‧Electric switch

280B‧‧‧Electric switch

284‧‧‧ plug

286‧‧‧ piston rod

288‧‧‧ pivot pin

310‧‧‧Handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device

312‧‧‧Base member

312A‧‧‧Interfacing Department

314‧‧‧Hydraulic unit

315‧‧‧External handlebar fixing structure

315A‧‧‧First clamping part / fixed clamping part

315B‧‧‧Second clamping part / moving clamping part

315C‧‧‧ pivot pin

316‧‧‧Transmission unit

320‧‧‧First operating member

322‧‧‧Second operating member

372‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder

372A‧‧‧ port

373‧‧‧Piston

374‧‧‧receiver

375‧‧‧ cylinder bore

377‧‧‧Flexible partition

379‧‧‧ fluid passage

379A‧‧‧Connected section

410‧‧‧Handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device

412‧‧‧Base member

412A‧‧‧Interfacing Department

414‧‧‧Hydraulic unit

415‧‧‧External handlebar fixing structure

415A‧‧‧First clamping part / fixed clamping part

415B‧‧‧Second clamping part / moving clamping part

415C‧‧‧ pivot pin

416‧‧‧Transmission unit

420‧‧‧First operational component

422‧‧‧Second operating member

472‧‧‧ hydraulic cylinder

472A‧‧‧ port

473‧‧‧Piston

474‧‧‧Storage

475‧‧‧ cylinder bore

477‧‧‧Flexible partition

479‧‧‧ fluid passage

479A‧‧‧Connected section

481‧‧‧ recess

482‧‧‧ Cover

510‧‧‧Handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device

512‧‧‧Base member

512A‧‧‧Interfacing Department

514‧‧‧Hydraulic unit

515‧‧‧External handlebar fixing structure

515A‧‧‧First clamping part / fixed clamping part

515B‧‧‧Second clamping part / moving clamping part

515C‧‧‧ pivot pin

516‧‧‧Transmission unit

520‧‧‧First operational component

522‧‧‧Second operating member

572‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder

572A‧‧‧ port

573‧‧‧Piston

574‧‧‧ receptacle

575‧‧‧ cylinder bore

577‧‧‧Flexible partition

579‧‧‧ fluid passage

579A‧‧‧Connected section

579B‧‧‧First Passage Section

579C‧‧‧Second channel section

579D‧‧‧ third channel section

579E‧‧‧ openings

580‧‧‧ Cover

610‧‧‧Handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device

612‧‧‧Base member

612A‧‧‧Interfacing Department

614‧‧‧Hydraulic unit

615‧‧‧External handlebar fixing structure

615A‧‧‧First clamping part / fixed clamping part

615B‧‧‧Second clamping part / moving clamping part

615C‧‧‧ pivot pin

616‧‧‧Transmission unit

620‧‧‧First operating member

622‧‧‧Second operating member

672‧‧‧Hydraulic cylinder

672A‧‧‧ port

673‧‧‧Piston

674‧‧‧ receptacle

675‧‧‧ cylinder bore

677‧‧‧Flexible partition

679‧‧‧ fluid passage

679A‧‧‧Connected section

679B‧‧‧First Passage Section

679C‧‧‧Second channel section

A1‧‧‧first pivot axis

A2‧‧‧second pivot axis

A3‧‧‧ third pivot axis

A4‧‧‧Winning axis

A5‧‧‧ longitudinal center axis

BP‧‧‧Brake Path

C‧‧‧Control cable

C1‧‧‧Internal cable

C2‧‧‧ Shell

D1‧‧‧first (cable pull) direction

D2‧‧‧second (cable release) direction

F‧‧‧Fixed structure

H‧‧‧Hydraulic hose

SP1‧‧‧First shift path

SP2‧‧‧Second shift path

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portion of a bicycle having a curved handlebar equipped with an end-to-end bicycle hydraulic operating device according to a first embodiment; FIG. An inside perspective view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices attached to the right free end of the handle illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is attached to the right free end of the handle illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. An inside perspective view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices (similar to FIG. 2); FIG. 4 is an outer side view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, wherein the first operating member and the second operating member are In its stationary (non-operating) position; Figure 5 is an external side view of a right bicycle hydraulic operating device (similar to Figure 4), but wherein the first operating member (i.e., the brake-shift cable tie) surrounds a first pivot axis Pivoting to the braking position, which causes the second operating member (ie, the shift cable release lever) to pivot with the first operating member about the first pivot axis relative to a base member; FIG. 6 is a diagram of FIG. Right bicycle fluid as described in 5 One of the operating devices encloses an inner side view in which the first operating member and the second operating member are in their rest positions; FIG. 7 is an external side view of selected internal components of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, Wherein the first operating member and the second operating member are in their rest positions and the cross-section of selected internal components of a hydraulic unit is shown; Figure 8 is prior to one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices illustrated in Figures 1-7 An oblique view, when viewed parallel to one of the take-up axes of a shifting unit, the first operating member and the second operating member are in their rest positions; FIG. 9 is the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 a front oblique view pivoting about a second pivot axis to a cable pulling position when viewed parallel to the take-up axis of the shifting unit, which causes the second operating member to surround the first operating member The second pivot axis pivots relative to the base member; Figure 10 is a front squint of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices illustrated in Figures 1-9 The second operating member pivots about a second pivot axis to a cable release position when viewed parallel to the take-up axis of the shifting unit, wherein the first operating member remains fixed relative to the base member; FIG. 11 is FIG. To an outer side view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices illustrated in Figure 10, wherein one of the attachment members of the base member is detached from a base portion of the base member such that the shifting unit is detached from the base portion of the base member Figure 12 is a front perspective view of one of the attachment portions of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in Figures 1 through 11; Figure 13 is for Figure 12 of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in Figures 1 through 12. A rear perspective view of one of the attachment portions illustrated in FIG. 14; FIG. 14 is an alignment unit (first operating member and second operating member and attachment member) of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one of the actuating units illustrated in FIG. 14 for the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11; FIG. 16 is incorporated in FIGS. Description of the right bicycle hydraulic operation A front perspective view of one of the shifting units; FIG. 17 is an outer side view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices according to a second embodiment, wherein the first operating member and the second operating member are in their rest (non-operating) positions Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing one of selected components of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a perspective view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices according to a third embodiment, wherein the bicycle hydraulic pressure The operating device is attached to the right free end of the handle illustrated in Figure 1, and the right free end of the handle is shown in phantom to better illustrate one of the control cables and a hydraulic hose disposed in the handlebar; Figure 20 One side perspective view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices illustrated in Figure 19. Figure, in which the right free end of the handlebar is shown in phantom to better illustrate the control cable and hydraulic hose disposed in the handlebar; Figure 21 is one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices illustrated in Figures 19 and 20. Outer end view, wherein the first operating member and the second operating member are in their rest position; Figure 22 is an outer end view of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device (similar to Figure 21), but wherein the first operating member is in an operational position To perform a braking operation and the second operating member is in a rest position; FIG. 23 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, wherein the first operating member and the second operation The member is in its rest position; Figure 24 is a front end view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices illustrated in Figures 19-23, with the first operating member and the second operating member in their rest positions; Figure 25 is the right bicycle A front end view of one of the hydraulic operating devices (similar to Figure 24), but wherein the first operating member is in an operating position to operate the additional (shifting) operating unit and the second operating member is in the static Figure 26 is a front end view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices (similar to Figures 24 and 25), but with the second operating member in an operational position and the first operating member in a rest position; Figure 27 is a 19 to a rear end view of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in Fig. 26, showing a cross section of the right free end of the handlebar; Fig. 28 is a rear end view of one of the right bicycle hydraulic operating devices (similar to Fig. 27) , but in which a hydraulic hose connector and a cylinder plug are removed; FIG. 29 is a partially exploded perspective view of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 28; FIG. 30 is in FIGS. 19 to 28. A perspective view of one of the selected components of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device; Figure 31 is a partially exploded perspective view of selected components of the right bicycle hydraulic operating device illustrated in Figure 30; Figure 32 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view of one of the right-handed bicycle hydraulic operating devices in accordance with a fourth embodiment. (similar to FIG. 23), wherein in a state in which a base member is attached to the handlebar, a receptacle is located outside the handlebar and a hydraulic cylinder is at least partially disposed in the handlebar; FIG. 33 is a fifth embodiment according to a fifth embodiment A central longitudinal cross-sectional view of one of the right-handed end bicycle hydraulic operating devices (similar to Figures 23 and 32), wherein in the state in which one of the base members is mounted to the handlebar, a receptacle is located outside the handlebar And a hydraulic cylinder is at least partially disposed in the handle; FIG. 34 is a central longitudinal cross-sectional view of one of the end-type bicycle hydraulic operating devices according to a sixth embodiment (similar to FIG. 23, FIG. 32 and FIG. 33). Wherein, in a state in which one of the base members is attached to the handlebar, a receptacle is located outside the handlebar and a hydraulic cylinder is at least partially disposed within the handlebar; and FIG. 35 is a right hand grip according to a seventh embodiment End bicycle hydraulic operation a central longitudinal cross-sectional view (similar to FIGS. 23, 32, 33, and 34) in which a receptacle and a hydraulic cylinder are at least partially disposed in a state in which one of the base members is mounted to the handlebar Hand inside.

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. The present invention will be understood by those skilled in the art, and the following description of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative only and not to limit the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is illustrated a portion of a bicycle 1 having a handlebar 2 including an end-to-end bicycle hydraulic operating device 10A and 10B in accordance with a first embodiment. The handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating devices 10A and 10B are structurally designed to be mounted to the opposite ends of the handlebar 2, respectively, and the handlebar 2 is a cross-country or curved handlebar. Handle end bicycle The hydraulic operating devices 10A and 10B are structurally designed to be mounted to one of the free ends of a handle and project outwardly from the free end of a handle in an axial direction.

Basically, as seen in Figure 1, the handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device 10A is a right-hand side operating device that is operated by the rider's right hand to actuate a first hydraulic brake device (not shown) and a first Shifting device (not shown). The handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device 10B is a left-hand side operating device that is operated by the rider's left hand to actuate a second hydraulic brake device (not shown) and a second shifting device (not shown) . The first shifting device and the second shifting device are part of a conventional bicycle drive system for shifting a bicycle chain to change the speed or gear position of the drive chain in a relatively conventional manner. A handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device 10A is operatively coupled to the first hydraulic brake device (not shown) via a hydraulic hose H and operatively coupled to the first via a control cable C A shifting device (not shown). A handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device 10B is operatively coupled to the second hydraulic brake device (not shown) via a hydraulic hose H and operatively coupled to the first via a control cable C Two shifting devices (not shown).

The handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating devices 10A and 10B are each configured to operate both a shifting device and a hydraulic brake device. However, it will be apparent from the present invention that the handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating devices 10A and 10B may have only a single operational function (e.g., a braking function or a shifting function). In the illustrated embodiment, except that the right bicycle hydraulic operating device 10A and the left bicycle hydraulic operating device 10B are mirror images of one another and that they have different numbers of shifting operations, the operations thereof are essentially the same. Therefore, only the handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device 10A will be discussed and illustrated herein.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 7, the handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device (hereinafter referred to as "operating device") 10A includes a base member 12 and a hydraulic unit 14. The base member 12 is structurally designed to be mounted to a handlebar 2. The base member 12 has a structural design to contact one of the ends 12a of one end of the handlebar 2. The hydraulic unit 14 is disposed on the base member 12. In the first In one embodiment, the operating device 10A further includes a shifting unit 16 mounted as one of the additional units on the base member 12. In the first embodiment, the operating device 10A further includes a first operating member 18 and a second operating member 20. The first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 are used to operate the shifting unit 16, as explained below. The first operating member 18 is also used to operate the hydraulic unit 14, as explained below. As also explained below, the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 are trigger levers that are biased to their rest position such that they automatically return to their rest position upon release from an operative position. According to the structural design of the shifting unit 16, the second operating member 20 can be omitted such that the shifting unit 16 is operated only by the first operating member 18.

2 through 8 illustrate the operating device 10A and its various components in a rest position. As used herein, the term "stationary position" means that one of the moving parts (eg, the first operating member 18 and the second operation 20) remains stationary and does not require a user to intervene (eg, hold the moving part) to establish a correspondence corresponding to A state of one of the rest positions. Therefore, the term "rest position" may also be referred to as a non-operational position. As used herein, the term "terminal position" means that a moving member (eg, the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20) is prevented from moving further away from the rest position in one of the moving directions of one of the moving members. a state. As used herein, the term "operating position" means that the moving member is moved from a rest position to a position by applying an external force to a moving member (eg, the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20). a state.

As seen in Figures 2 and 3, the base member 12 is structurally designed to couple to one end portion of the handlebar 2. The base member 12 houses both the hydraulic unit 14 and the shifting unit 16. The base member 12 basically includes a base portion 22 and a shifting unit attachment portion (hereinafter referred to as "attach portion") 24. The base portion 22 and the attachment portion 24 are rigid members made of a suitable material such as a rigid plastic material. The hydraulic unit 14 is mounted to the base portion 22 of the base member 12. The shifting unit 16 is mounted to the attachment portion 24 of the base member 12. With this structural design, in a state in which the operating device 10A is mounted to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic unit 14 is mounted to the base member 12 in a position closer to the handlebar 2 than the shifting unit 16.

The base portion 22 of the base member 12 includes a coupling portion 26 that is structurally designed to couple to the handlebar 2. The coupling portion 26 defines a proximal end of the base portion 22 of the base member 12 with respect to one end portion of the handlebar 2. In this embodiment, the coupling portion 26 is structurally designed to couple to one end portion of the handlebar 2. In more detail, the coupling portion 26 has a cylindrical shape such that the coupling portion 26 is inserted into one of the openings provided on the end portion of the handlebar 2. The coupling portion 26 of the base member 12 is fixedly attached to the handlebar 2 by a fixing structure F provided on the coupling portion 26. In a state in which the base member 12 is attached to the handlebar 2, the fixing structure F is disposed in the end portion of the handlebar 2. In the first embodiment, the portions of the base member 12 at the rear of the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 (other than the coupling portion 26) can be regarded as one of the grip portions of the operating device 10A.

Since this fixed structure F is well known in the bicycle field and is well known to us, the fixing structure will not be discussed in detail herein for the sake of brevity. The coupling portion 26 of the base member 12 further includes a structural design to couple to one of the handlebars 2 mounting surface 26a. In this manner, the base portion 22 has a mounting surface 26a.

Referring to Figures 7 and 11, the base portion 22 of the base member 12 has a distal end 22a at the end of the base portion 22 of the base member 12 opposite the coupling portion 26. The attachment portion 24 is structurally designed to be removably attached to the distal end 22a of the base portion 22. The attachment portion 24 is structurally designed to enclose the shifting unit 16. In particular, three screws 28 are used to removably attach the attachment portion 24 to the distal end 22a of the base portion 22 of the base member 12. In terms of this structural design, the shifting unit 16 is mounted to the distal end 22a of the base member 12 opposite the mounting surface 26a. In other words, in a state in which the base portion 22 is mounted to the handlebar 2, the attachment portion 24 is positioned relative to the handlebar 2 at the distal end 22a of the base member 12.

As seen in FIGS. 11 to 13, the shifting unit 16 is mounted to the attachment portion 24. Specifically, the shifting unit 16 is fixed to the attachment portion 24 by a nut 30 and a screw 32. In this manner, the attachment portion 24 is removably mounted to the base portion 22 with the shifting unit 16 mounted to the attachment portion 24 to be integral. In other words, when the screw 28 is removed, the shifting unit 16 will It is detached from the base portion 22 of the base member 12, but will remain attached to the attachment portion 24.

Referring to Figures 8 through 10, the movement of the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 will now be discussed. The first operating member 18 is pivotally mounted relative to the base member 12 about a first pivot axis A1 to operate the hydraulic unit 14. The first operating member 18 is further structurally configured to pivot about a second pivot axis A2 that is different from the first pivot axis A1 to actuate the shifting unit 16. The second operating member 20 is pivotally mounted relative to the base member 12 about a third pivot axis A3 to operate the shifting unit 16. The third pivot axis A3 is coaxial with the second pivot axis A2. In terms of this structural design, the first operating member 18 is structurally designed to perform a braking operation when moving the first operating member 18 along a braking path BP (FIG. 5) that is substantially parallel to one of the central longitudinal planes of the bicycle 1, And a cable pulling operation is performed while moving the first operating member 18 toward a central longitudinal plane of the bicycle 1 along a first shifting path SP1 (Fig. 9). On the other hand, the second operating member 20 is structurally designed to perform a cable releasing operation while moving the second operating member 20 toward a central longitudinal plane of the bicycle 1 along a second shifting path SP2 (Fig. 10). When the first operating member 18 pivots relative to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis A1 to perform a braking operation, the shifting unit 16 remains fixed.

As seen in Figures 7 and 13, the shifting unit or additional unit 16 is mounted to the attachment portion 24 of the base member 12 to operate a first shifting device (not shown), such as a front derailleur, a rear derailleur or an interior. transmission. The shifting unit 16 is operatively coupled to the first shifting device via a control cable C. Control cable C is a conventional Bowden cable that includes an internal cable C1 and a housing C2 that at least partially encloses the internal cable C1. The shifting unit or additional unit 16 is constructed as a mechanical shifting unit that is structurally designed to operate a control cable C. In more detail, the shifting unit 16 is structurally designed to pull and release the internal cable C1 of the control cable C to operate the first shifting device. The shifting unit 16 pulls or releases the internal cable C1 in response to the operation of the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20. In this first embodiment, the operation of the first operating member 18 causes the shifting unit 16 to pull the internal cable C1, while the operation of the second operating member 20 causes the shifting unit 16 to release the internal cable C1.

As seen in Figures 7 and 16, the shifting unit 16 basically includes a first input member 34, a second input member 36, and a cable take-up member or spool 38. The cable take-up member 38 and the first input member 34 and the second input member 36 are coaxially disposed on one of the main shifting shafts 40 of the shifting unit 16. The main shifting shaft 40 pivotally supports the take-up member 38 and the first input member 34 and the second input member 36 relative to the base member 12 for pivotal movement. The main shifting shaft 40 defines a take-up axis A4 of one of the shifting units 16. Accordingly, the take-up member 38 is structurally designed to rotate about the take-up axis A4 in response to the operation of the first and second operating members 18, 20. In the first embodiment, the take-up axis A4 is coaxial with the second pivot axis A2. Specifically, the take-up axis A4 is coaxial with the second pivot axis A2 and the third pivot axis A3. The cable take-up member 38 rotates about the take-up axis A4 in the opposite rotational direction substantially in response to the operation of the first input member 34 and the second input member 36.

More specifically, when the first operating member 18 is pivoted toward the central longitudinal plane of the bicycle 1 along the first shifting path SP1 (FIG. 9), the first operating member 18 causes the first input member 34 to pivot about the take-up axis A4. turn. The pivotal movement of the first input member 34 causes the cable take-up member 38 to rotate in a first (cable pull) direction D1 (Fig. 16). In particular, the first input member 34 has one of the pulling pawls engaged with the ratchet attached to one of the cable take-up members 38. After releasing the first operating member 18, the first input member 34 returns to its original rest position with the first operating member 18. In this manner, when the first operating member 18 is moved from the rest position to the first shift position, the shifting unit 16 is configured to rotate the cable take-up member 38 about the cable take-up axis A4 in the first direction D1. .

On the other hand, when the second operating member 20 is pivoted toward the central longitudinal plane of the bicycle 1 along the second shifting path SP2 (FIG. 10), the second operating member 20 causes the second input member 36 to pivot about the take-up axis A4. . The pivotal movement of the second input member 36 causes the cable take-up member 38 to rotate relative to the take-up axis A4 in a second (cable release) direction D2 opposite the first (cable pull) direction D1 (Fig. 16). In particular, the second input member 36 has one of the teeth that engages one of the release plates to release the pawl, which is disengaged from a position to keep the pawl away from the attachment One of a plurality of positioning teeth that are attached to one of the cable take-up members 38. Preferably, the release plate engages a stop pawl to selectively move the stop pawl from a non-stop or unrestricted position and a stop or limit position. In the non-stop (stationary) position, the detent pawl is positioned outside the path of the positioning teeth of the positioning plate, and in the detent position, the detent pawl is positioned at the positioning plate The path of the positioning teeth engages with one of the positioning teeth of the positioning plate to limit movement of the cable take-up member 38. After releasing the second operating member 20, the second input member 36 returns to its original rest position with the second operating member 20. In this manner, when the second operating member 20 is moved from the rest position to the second shift position, the shifting unit 16 is configured to rotate the cable take-up member 38 about the cable take-up axis A4 in the second direction D2. . The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

Since mechanical shifting units similar to shifting unit 16 are well known and well known in the bicycle field, the shifting unit 16 will not be described and/or illustrated in detail herein for the sake of brevity. The shifting unit 16 operates in response to the operation of the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 to pull and release the interior in substantially the same manner as the shift operating unit described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0297919. Cable C1. However, mounting the shifting unit 16 to the base member 12 is different from the shift control mechanism disclosed in this U.S. patent publication. Further, the shifting unit 16 is further different from the operating unit disclosed in this U.S. Patent Publication in that the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 are positioned at the rear of the shifting unit 16.

As seen in FIG. 7, in a state in which the operating device 10A is mounted to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic unit 14 is mounted to the base member 12 at a position closer to the handlebar 2 than the shifting unit 16. Therefore, the hydraulic unit 14 is mounted to the base member 12 in a position closer to the coupling portion 26 than the shifting unit 16. Further, with this configuration, the hydraulic unit 14 is mounted to the base member 12 so as to be disposed between the mounting surface 26a and the shifting unit 16 and in any direction perpendicular to the longitudinal center axis A5 of the hydraulic unit 14 without the shifting unit 16 overlap.

In the first embodiment, the hydraulic unit 14 is detachably mounted to the screw unit 60 by a screw 60 Base member 12 (Fig. 7). The hydraulic unit 14 basically includes: a hydraulic cylinder 62 having a cylinder bore 62a; and a piston 64 movably disposed in the cylinder bore 62a. In a state in which the base member 12 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic cylinder 62 is disposed outside the handlebar 2. Hydraulic cylinder 62 defines a longitudinal central axis A5. The piston 64 is movably disposed in the hydraulic cylinder 62 along the longitudinal center axis A5. Preferably, the hydraulic unit 14 is detachably mounted to the base member 12 for removal and reattachment to the base member 12. In the first embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 62 is disposed in a recess of the base portion 22 of the base member 12. A piston rod 66 operatively couples the first operating member 18 to the piston 64 such that pivotal movement of the first operating member 18 about the first pivot axis A1 causes the piston 64 to move from a rest position along the longitudinal center axis A5 (Fig. 4) Move to the consistent position (Figure 5). The first operating member 18 is pivotally coupled to one of the first ends of the piston rod 66 by a pivot pin 66a. The piston rod 66 has a second end having a portion of a spherical convex surface that contacts a portion of the spherical concave surface of the end of the piston 64. In this manner, the piston rod 66 is pivotally coupled to the piston 64. In this manner, the first operating member 18 is coupled to the piston 64 to move the piston 64 in the hydraulic cylinder 162 while pivoting the first operating member 18 about the first pivot axis A1.

The piston 64 is movably disposed in the hydraulic cylinder 62 to reciprocate along the longitudinal center axis A5. As seen in Figure 7, the hydraulic cylinder 62 of the hydraulic unit 14 has a fluid outlet 62b positioned adjacent the mounting surface 26a. Hydraulic cylinder 62 is in fluid communication with a hydraulic brake (not shown) via hydraulic hose H to operate the hydraulic brake in response to piston 64 moving from a rest position (Fig. 4) to an actuated position (Fig. 5). The hydraulic unit 14 further includes a biasing member 68 disposed between one of the closed end walls of the hydraulic cylinder 62 disposed within the hydraulic cylinder 62 and the piston 64. Biasing element 68 biases piston 64 to a non-braking position. The biasing element 68 also acts as a return spring for biasing the first operating member 18 to its rest position relative to the first pivot axis A1. Here, the biasing element 68 is a helical compression spring.

As seen in Figure 7, hydraulic unit 14 includes a reservoir 70 in fluid communication with cylinder bore 62a. In a state in which the base member 12 is attached to the handlebar 2, the receptacle 70 is disposed outside the handlebar 2. The reservoir 70 is detachably mounted to the base member 12 for removal and reattachment to the base member 12. In particular, the reservoir 70 is secured to the base member 12 by a pair of screws 72. The reservoir 70 basically includes a storage tank 70a, a reservoir cover 70b and a partition 70c. The base member 12 includes a fluid passage 74 that connects the cylinder bore 62a with the reservoir 70a of the reservoir 70. In this manner, when the first operating member 18 is in a rest position, the reservoir 70a is in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber of the cylinder bore 62a of the hydraulic cylinder 62 via the fluid passage 74. The base member 12 includes a reservoir 70a that connects the cylinder bore 62a and the reservoir 70 to lubricate one of the fluid passages 76 of the piston 64.

In the first embodiment, the reservoir 70 is disposed in a recess in the base portion 22 of the base member 12. The recess in the base portion 22 of the reservoir 70 intersects the recess in the base portion 22 for the hydraulic cylinder 62. In this manner, the inlet of the hydraulic cylinder 62 cooperates with the outlet of the reservoir 70a such that hydraulic fluid is supplied from the reservoir 70 to the hydraulic cylinder prior to urging the piston 64 in response to operating the first operating member 18 about the first pivot axis A1. 62.

As seen in Figures 7, 14, and 15, the operating device 10A further includes an attachment member 80. The attachment member 80 supports the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 to the base member 12. Therefore, the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 and the attachment member 80 form an actuating unit of the operating device 10A. The attachment member 80 is pivotally coupled to the hydraulic unit 14 about a second pivot axis A2. In particular, the attachment member 80 is pivotally secured to the hydraulic cylinder 62 of the hydraulic unit 14 by a nut 82. Thus, the attachment member 80 defines a second pivot axis A2. The longitudinal center axis A5 of the hydraulic unit 14 is coaxial with the second pivot axis A2. Further, the take-up axis A4 of the take-up member 38 is coaxial with the second pivot axis A2 (Fig. 7). The attachment member 80 has an actuating member 80a. When the attachment member 80 is pivoted about the second pivot axis A2 from the rest position to the operative position, the actuation member 80a is configured to contact the first input member 34 of the shifting unit 16 (Fig. 16). Accordingly, the attachment member 80 causes the cable take-up member 38 to rotate in the first (cable pull) direction D1 in response to the operation of the first operating member 18.

A biasing element 84 is operatively disposed between the attachment member 80 and the base member 12 to bias the attachment member 80 to its rest position. Here, the biasing member 84 is a torsion spring having a first end disposed in one of the holes in the base portion 22 of the base member 12 and disposed therein. One of the second ends of one of the attachment members 80. The biasing element 84 biases the attachment member 80 against the base portion 22 of the base member 12 to establish a rest position of the attachment member 80. The biasing element 84 also acts as a return spring for biasing the first operating member 18 to its rest position relative to the second pivot axis A2.

As seen in Figures 7, 14, and 15, the first operating member 18 will be discussed in greater detail. The first operating member 18 is a trigger lever that is held in a rest position by biasing members 68 and 84. As mentioned above, the first operating member 18 pivots about the first pivot axis A1 to operate the hydraulic unit 14 and pivot about the second pivot axis A2 to operate the shifting unit 16. As seen in FIG. 7, the first pivot axis A1 is disposed between the shifting unit 16 and the coupling portion 26. Further, the first pivot axis A1 is disposed between the shifting unit 16 and the hydraulic unit 14.

As seen in Figures 14 and 15, the first operating member 18 has a mounting portion 18a and a free distal portion 18b. The mounting portion 18a has a first pivot axis A1. The free distal portion 18b is spaced from the base member 12. The first pivot axis A1 is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal center axis A5 of the hydraulic unit 14. The free distal end portion 18b is positioned on a second side of one of the longitudinal center axes A5 of the hydraulic unit 14 when viewed in a direction parallel to one of the first pivot axes A1. The first pivot axis A1 is also configured such that the longitudinal center axis A5 of the hydraulic unit 14 extends between the first pivot axis A1 and the distal end portion 18b.

The first operating member 18 is pivotally mounted to the attachment member 80 about a first pivot axis A1 via a pivot 86. The pivot 86 defines a first pivot axis A1. The first pivot axis A1 is disposed between the shifting unit 16 and the coupling portion 26 of the base member 12 along the longitudinal center axis A5 or with respect to one of the longitudinal directions of the hydraulic cylinders 62. Therefore, the first operating member 18 is disposed between the hydraulic unit 14 and the shifting unit 16. The first operating member 18 is coupled to a piston 64 disposed in the hydraulic unit 14 to move the piston 64 when pivoting the first operating member 18 about the first pivot axis A1. Further, since the first operating member 18 is mounted on the attachment member 80, the first operating member 18 and the attachment member 80 are pivoted together about the second pivot axis A2 to perform a shifting operation.

As seen in Figures 7, 14, and 15, the second operating member 20 is pivotally mounted to the first operating member 18 about a third pivot axis A3. In particular, the second operating member 20 is mounted to the first operating member 18 by a pivot 90. The pivot 90 defines a third pivot axis A3 that is coaxial with the second pivot axis A2. The second operating member 20 has an actuating member 20a. When the second operating member 20 is pivoted from the rest position to the operative position about the third pivot axis A3, the actuating member 20a is configured to contact the second input member 36 of the shifting unit 16 (Fig. 16). Therefore, the second operating member 20 causes the cable take-up member 38 to rotate in the second (cable release) direction D2 in response to the operation of the second operating member 20.

A biasing member 92 is operatively disposed between the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 to bias the second operating member 20 against the first operating member 18 toward its rest position. Here, the biasing member 92 is a torsion spring having a first end disposed in one of the holes in the first operating member 18 and a second end on the hook to the second operating member 20. The biasing element 92 biases the second operating member 20 against the first operating member 18 to establish a rest position of the second operating member 20. In this manner, the attachment member 80 supports the first operating member 18 and the second operating member 20 to the base member 12.

Referring now to Figures 17 and 18, there is illustrated a right hand grip bicycle hydraulic operating device 110 in accordance with a second embodiment. In view of the similarity between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the same components in the first embodiment and the second embodiment will not be described with respect to the second embodiment for the sake of brevity. In the second embodiment, the right-hand end end bicycle hydraulic operating device (hereinafter referred to as "operating device") 110 includes a base member 112 and a hydraulic unit 114. Here, the base member 112 is structurally designed to be mounted to a handlebar 2 by a fixed structure F in the same manner as the first embodiment discussed above. The base member 112 has a structural design to contact one of the ends 112a of one end of the handlebar 2. The hydraulic unit 114 is disposed on the base member 112. Similar to the first embodiment, the hydraulic unit 114 is operatively coupled to a hydraulic brake (not shown) via a hydraulic hose H. In the second embodiment, the hydraulic unit 114 is partially disposed within the handlebar 2, as explained below. In addition to this, hydraulic single The element 114 is identical to the hydraulic unit 14 of the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the operating device 110 further includes a shifting unit 116 which is the same as the shifting unit 16 of the first embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the shifting unit 116 is operatively coupled to a shifting device (not shown) via a control cable C. Alternatively, it will be apparent from the present disclosure that the operating device 110 can have only the hydraulic unit 114 that can be used to operate any of the bicycle hydraulic components as needed and/or desired.

As seen in Figure 18, the structural design of the hydraulic unit 114 will be discussed. Here, the hydraulic unit 114 is partially disposed in one of the handle coupling portions 126 of the coupling base member 112. In the second embodiment, the hydraulic unit 114 is detachably mounted to the base member 112 by a screw 160. Here, the hydraulic unit 114 includes: a hydraulic cylinder 162 having a cylinder bore 162a; and a piston 164 movably disposed in the cylinder bore 162a. The hydraulic cylinder 162 has a fluid outlet 162b fluidly coupled to the hydraulic hose H such that hydraulic fluid flows to and from the hydraulic brake device (not shown) in response to moving the piston 164 by the first operating member 18. The brake device flows out. In a state in which the base member 112 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic cylinder 162 is disposed outside the handlebar 2.

As seen in Figure 18, hydraulic unit 114 includes a reservoir 170 in fluid communication with cylinder bore 162a. Here, the reservoir 170 is formed in the handle coupling portion 126. In this manner, in a state in which the base member 112 is attached to the handlebar 2, the receptacle 170 is at least partially disposed within the handlebar 2. The reservoir 170 preferably includes a partition 171. The base member 12 includes a fluid passage 174 that connects the cylinder bore 162a and the reservoir 170. In this manner, when the first operating member 18 is in a rest position, the reservoir 170 is in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber of the cylinder bore 162a of the hydraulic cylinder 162 via the fluid passage 174. The base member 112 includes a coupling cylinder bore 162a and a reservoir 170 to lubricate one of the fluid passages 176 of the piston 164.

Referring now to Figures 19 through 31, there is illustrated a right hand grip bicycle hydraulic operating device 210 in accordance with a third embodiment. Similar to the previously discussed embodiment, the right hand end bicycle hydraulic operating device 210 is included in a single unit mounted to the bicycle A brake function and a shift function. In the third embodiment, the handle end type bicycle hydraulic operating device (hereinafter referred to as "operating device") 210 includes a base member 212 and a hydraulic unit 214. Here, the base member 212 is structurally designed to be mounted on a handlebar 2. In particular, the base member 212 includes an outer handlebar securing structure 215 that is structurally designed to contact one of the outer surfaces 2A of the handlebar 2. The base member 212 has a structural design to contact one of the ends 212A of one end of the handlebar 2. The hydraulic unit 214 is disposed on the base member 212. In the third embodiment, in a state in which the base member 212 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic unit 214 is partially disposed in the handlebar 2 as explained below.

Referring to FIGS. 19-29, the operating device 210 further includes a shifting unit or additional unit 216 mounted to the base member 212. The shifting unit 216 is supported on the handlebar 2 via the base member 212 by an external handlebar fixing structure 215. Alternatively, it will be apparent from the present disclosure that the operating device 210 can have only hydraulic units 214 that can be used to operate any bicycle hydraulic components as needed and/or desired.

In the third embodiment, the operating device 210 further includes a first operating member 220 and a second operating member 222. Both the first operating member 220 and the second operating member 222 are used to operate the shifting unit 216, as explained below. The first operating member 220 is also used to operate the hydraulic unit 214, as explained below. According to the structural design of the shifting unit 216, the second operating member 222 may be omitted such that the shifting unit 216 is operated only by the first operating member 220.

As also explained below, the first operating member 220 and the second operating member 222 actuate the lever that is biased to its rest position such that it automatically returns to the group rest position after release from an operating position. Figures 19 to 21, 23, 24 and 27 illustrate the operating device 210 and its various components in a rest position, while Figures 22, 25 and 26 illustrate the operating device 210 and selected components retained in the operating position. .

As seen in Figures 21 and 22, the first operating member 220 basically includes a rotating member 220A, a rod member 220B, and a pivot pin 220C. The lever member 220B is pivotally mounted to the rotating member 220A by a pivot pin 220C. Therefore, relative to a first pivot axis A1 The first operating member 220 is pivotally mounted to the base member 212 to actuate the hydraulic unit 214. The first pivot axis A1 is defined by a pivot pin 220C. As seen in Figures 24 and 25, the first operating member 220 is also structurally designed to pivot about a second pivot axis A2 to actuate the shifting unit 216. The second pivot axis A2 is different from the first pivot axis A1. In particular, the rotating member 220A is coupled to the shifting unit 216 to pivot about the second pivot axis A2. In a third embodiment, the second pivot axis A2 is configured to be perpendicular to the first pivot axis A1. Generally, as in the case of the third embodiment, the rotating member 220A has thereon mounted thereon such that one of the cable take-up members 216A (Figs. 23 and 29) of the shifting unit 216 surrounds the second pivot axis A2 in the first direction. Rotate one of the pulling members.

In terms of this structural design, the first operating member 220 is structurally designed to perform a braking operation when moving the first operating member 220 along a braking path BP (FIG. 22) that is substantially parallel to one of the central longitudinal planes of the bicycle, and A cable pulling operation is performed while moving the first operating member 220 toward a central longitudinal plane of the bicycle along a first shifting path SP1 (Fig. 25). When the first operating member 220 pivots about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the base member 212 to perform a braking operation, the shifting unit 216 remains stationary (ie, not actuated).

As seen in Figure 25, the second operating member 222 basically includes a base portion 222A and a lever member 222B. The base portion 222A is pivotally mounted to the shifting unit 216. In particular, in the third embodiment, the second operating member 222 is pivotally mounted relative to the base member 212 about a third pivot axis A3 to actuate the shifting unit 216. In the third embodiment, the second pivot axis A2 and the third pivot axis A3 are coaxially arranged. In terms of this structural design, the second operating member 222 is structurally designed to perform a cable release operation when moving the second operating member 222 along a second shifting path SP2 (Fig. 26) toward a central longitudinal plane of the bicycle. Due to the operation of the second operating member 222, the cable take-up member 216A (Figs. 23 and 29) of the shifting unit 216 is rotated about the second pivot axis A2 and the third pivot axis A3 in a second direction.

Those skilled in the bicycle field will appreciate from the present invention that the operation of the operating device 210 Units are not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, one or both of the operating units can be an electrical operating unit. As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 29, the handle end hydraulic operating device 210 can include an additional unit 280. The additional unit includes electrical switches 280A and 280B. The electric switches 280A and 280B are mounted on the operating member 220. If the electrical switches 280A and 280B are used to operate an electric shifting device, the shifting unit 216 can be omitted. Moreover, the number of electrical switches is not limited to two, but can be freely selected as needed and/or desired. Furthermore, the operating unit of the operating device 210 is not limited to use in operating a braking device and a shifting device.

Base member 212 will now be discussed in greater detail with primary reference to Figures 20 and 27-31. The base member 212 is secured to the outer surface 2A of the handlebar 2 substantially by the outer handlebar fixing structure 215. The base member 212 and the outer handlebar fixing structure 215 do not extend into one of the interiors 2B of the handlebar 2. The base member 212 basically includes a first (handle) attachment portion 224 and a second (operation unit) attachment portion 226. Here, the first attachment portion 224 and the second attachment portion 226 are integrally formed as a single or single-piece member made of a suitable material such as a rigid plastic or a metal. The outer handlebar fixing structure 215 and the hydraulic unit 214 are supported by the first attachment portion 224, and the shifting unit 216 is supported by the second attachment portion 226. In the third embodiment, as seen in Figures 30 and 31, the base member 212 includes a guiding structure 228 in which the operating device 210 is mounted to one of the handlebars 2, and the guiding structure 228 guides a cable ( The internal cable C1) extends from the shifting unit 216 into the handlebar 2. In the third embodiment, the guide structure 228 is press fit into one of the holes 230 in one of the first attachment portions 224. However, the guiding structure is not limited to the illustrated guiding structure. For example, depending on the structural design of the shifting unit 216, the guiding structure 228 can be omitted such that the aperture 230 of the first attachment portion 224 constitutes a guiding structure.

In the third embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 20, 27, and 28, the first attachment portion 224 has a handle contact surface 234 that contacts one of the outer surfaces 2A of the handlebar 2. In particular, when the outer handlebar fixing structure 215 is locked, the handlebar contact surface 234 is brought into contact with the outer surface 2A by contacting the handle surface 234 of the outer surface 2A. In the third embodiment, as shown in the figure As seen in 31, the first attachment portion 224 has a mounting opening 236 for attaching the outer handlebar securing structure 215 thereto.

In the third embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 30 and 31, the hydraulic unit 214 is removably attached to the first attachment portion 224 by a nut 238 (FIG. 30). The shifting unit 216 is removably attached to the second attachment portion 226 by three screws 240 (Fig. 29). As seen in FIG. 31, the first attachment portion 224 further includes a wall portion 242 having a first opening 244 and a second opening 246. When the nut 238 is used to mount the hydraulic unit 214 to the wall portion 242 of the first attachment portion 224, the first opening 244 and the second opening 246 are configured to receive portions of the hydraulic unit 214 therethrough. As seen in Figures 29 and 30, the second attachment portion 226 includes three fastener mounting posts 248 into which the screws 240 are threaded to secure the shifting unit 216. The wall portion 242 of the first attachment portion 224 of the base member 212 forms an abutment portion 212A in which the operating device 210 is mounted to one of the handlebars 2, and the abutment portion 212A is structurally designed to contact one end of the handlebar 2 2C. The abutment 212A is defined on a wall portion 242 at one side opposite the fastener mounting post 248. Therefore, the operating device 210 is a hand-operated end-operating device, which means that the operating device 210 is structurally designed to be mounted to one of the free ends of a handle and outward from the free end of the handle in an axial direction. protruding.

In a third embodiment, the first attachment portion 224 further includes an integral cover portion 252 integrally formed with one of the other portions of the base member 212 as a single or single piece member. As seen in Figures 19, 20, 23 and 29, an upper cover portion 256 and a lower cover portion 254 are snap-fitted to the base member 212 to substantially mask the shifting unit 216.

The outer handlebar fixing structure 215 will now be discussed in greater detail with reference primarily to Figures 19, 20, 30 and 31. In a state in which the operating device 210 is mounted to the handlebar 2, the outer handlebar fixing structure 215 is substantially structurally designed to contact the outer surface 2A of the handlebar 2. More specifically, the outer handlebar fixing structure 215 includes a handlebar engaging member 260 and a locking structure 262. The locking structure 262 displaces the handlebar engagement member 260 toward the base member 212 to clamp the handlebar 2 to the base member 212 and the handlebar engagement member 260 in response to the locking of the locking structure 262. between.

The locking structure 262 includes an operating member 264 that is operated by a user to lock or loosen the locking structure 262 to displace the handlebar engaging member 260 relative to the base member 212. In the third embodiment, the locking structure 262 includes a mounting bolt 266 that is mounted to one of the handlebar engagement members 260. The fixing bolt 266 is screwed to the operating member 264. In the third embodiment, the operating member 264 is a nut. In this manner, in the third embodiment, the operating member 264 is structurally designed to couple to the handlebar engaging member 260. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the outer handlebar fixing structure 215 includes a cuff as the handlebar engaging member 260, and includes the operating member 264 and the fixing bolt 266 as the locking structure 262. In the third embodiment, a washer 268 is optionally disposed on the operating member 264 (i.e., a nut).

The operating member 264 is structurally designed to be disposed opposite the first operating member 220 relative to the base member 212. The operating member 264 has a tool access portion 264a disposed on an outer surface of one of the operating members 264. The operating member 264 is structurally configured to displace the cuff 260 relative to the base member 212 to clamp the handle 2 between the base member 212 and the cuff 260 in response to operation of the operating member 264. In this manner, the operating member 264 can be easily locked or loosened.

The cuff or handlebar engagement member 260 of the outer handlebar fixation structure 215, together with the first attachment portion 224 of the base member 212, defines a handlebar receiving opening 270 for receiving a handlebar 2 therethrough. In particular, in the third embodiment, the cuff or handlebar engagement member 260 has an inner surface 260a that, together with the handlebar contact surface 234 of the first attachment portion 224, defines a handlebar receiving opening 270. The cuff or handlebar engaging member 260 is a ferrule. Both ends of the band or handlebar engaging member 260 are held together by a fixing bolt 266 that is screwed to the operating member 264. The locking structure 262 is substantially structurally configured to displace the cuff 260 relative to the base member 212 by rotating the operating member 264 using the tool access portion 264a to clamp the handle 2 in response to adjustment of the locking structure 262 It is between the base member 212 and the band 260.

The hydraulic unit 214 will now be discussed in greater detail with primary reference to Figures 30 and 31. Hydraulic unit The 214 basically includes a hydraulic cylinder 272, a piston 273, and a reservoir 274. The hydraulic cylinder 272 has a cylinder bore 275. The piston 273 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore 275. Hydraulic cylinder 272 extends through handlebar receiving opening 270. Therefore, in a state where the base member 212 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic cylinder 272 is at least partially disposed in the handlebar 2. The hydraulic cylinder 272 has a hollow shaft 272A having a nut 238 screwed thereto to secure the hydraulic cylinder 272 to one of the external threads of the base member 212. The hollow shaft 272A extends through the opening 244 of the wall portion 242. The hydraulic cylinder 272 further has a cable passage 272B extending through the wall portion 242 and connecting the guiding structure 228, thereby guiding the cable extending from the shifting unit 216 to the handlebar in a state where the bicycle operating device 210 is mounted to the handlebar 2. 2 inside.

The reservoir 274 is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder 272. In the third embodiment, the reservoir 274 is integrally formed with the hydraulic cylinder 272. The reservoir 274 is closed by a cover 274A. The reservoir 274 has a fill port 274B (Fig. 31) for adding hydraulic fluid to a reservoir 274C. The storage tank 274C is radially offset from the cylinder bore 275 when viewed from a direction parallel to one of the first pivot axes A1. When the operating device 210 is in the installed state, the reservoir 274 extends into the interior 2B of the handlebar 2 as seen in Figures 19, 20, 27 and 28. Therefore, in a state where the base member 12 is attached to the handlebar 2, the receptacle 274 is at least partially disposed within the handlebar 2. In particular, when the operating device 210 is in the installed state, the reservoir 274 is fully positioned in the upper half of the interior 2B of the handlebar 2, as seen in Figures 27 and 28. Thus, the reservoir 274 extends through the handle receiving opening 270. Accordingly, the reservoir 274 is at least partially positioned in the radially inner portion of the handle receiving opening 270. Hydraulic cylinder 272 includes a hydraulic hose inlet 276 positioned in a radially inner portion of handlebar receiving opening 270. Here, the hydraulic hose inlet 276 is fixed to one of the hydraulic cylinders 272 at a position at the rear of the reservoir 274. Thus, as seen in Figures 27 and 31, when the operating device 210 is in the installed state, the hydraulic hose inlet 276 is fully positioned in the upper half of the interior 2B of the handlebar 2. Preferably, a flexible diaphragm 277 is disposed in the reservoir 274 to provide a reservoir 274C in fluid communication with the cylinder bore 275. As seen in Figure 20, a hydraulic hose 278 has one end connected to a hydraulic hose inlet 276. The other end of the hydraulic pipe 278 is connected to the cylinder bore 275 of the hydraulic cylinder 272 (Figs. 28 and 31). As seen in Figure 23, the reservoir 274 is fluidly coupled to the cylinder bore 275 by a fluid passage 279. In this manner, hydraulic fluid in reservoir 274 is supplied to the hydraulic chamber of cylinder bore 275 when first operating member 220 is in a rest position.

As seen in Figure 23, the piston 273 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore 275 along its longitudinal central axis. The cylinder bore 275 has its longitudinal central axis disposed coaxially with the second pivot axis A2 and the third pivot axis A3. In the third embodiment, as seen in Fig. 28, when the operating device 210 is in the mounted state, the cylinder bore 275 is mostly positioned in the lower half of the inner portion 2B of the handlebar 2. Therefore, when the operating device 210 is in the mounted state, the longitudinal center axis of the cylinder bore 275 is positioned in the lower half of the interior 2B of the handlebar 2. The hydraulic cylinder 272 has a plug 284 that is screwed into one of the ends of the cylinder bore 275 to close the end of the cylinder bore 275.

As seen in FIG. 23, a piston rod 286 operatively couples the first operating member 220 to the piston 273 such that pivotal movement of the first operating member 220 about the first pivot axis A1 causes the piston 273 to be along the longitudinal center of the cylinder bore 275. The axis moves from a rest position to a consistent position. The first operating member 220 is pivotally coupled to one of the first ends of the piston rod 286 by a pivot pin 288. The piston rod 286 has a second end that is fixed to one of the pistons 273. In this manner, the piston rod 286 pulls the piston 273 when the first operating member 220 is pivoted from the rest position to the operating position.

The shifting unit 216 will now be discussed in detail primarily with reference to Figures 23 and 29. The shifting unit 216 is basically constructed as a mechanical shifting unit that is structurally designed to pull and release the internal cable C1 of the control cable C to operate the shifting device. The shifting unit 216 pulls or releases the internal cable C1 in response to the operation of the first operating member 220 and the second operating member 222. In this third embodiment, operation of the first operating member 220 causes the shifting unit 216 to pull the internal cable C1, while operation of the second operating member 222 causes the shifting unit 216 to release the internal cable C1. Since the configuration of the shifting unit 216 can be virtually any type of mechanical shifting unit 216 as needed and/or desired, the shifting unit 216 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

The shifting unit 216 pulls and releases the internal cable C1 in response to the operation of the first operating member 220 and the second operating member 222 in the same manner as the shift operating unit described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0297919. However, mounting the shifting unit 216 to the base member 212 and configuring the first operating member 220 and the second operating member 222 are different from the US The shift control mechanism disclosed in the national patent publication. In other words, the shift control mechanism of this U.S. patent publication would need to be suitable for use with base member 212 and hydraulic unit 214.

Of course, the shifting unit 216 is not limited to this configuration in which two operating members are used to operate the shifting unit 216. For example, the shifting unit 216 can be structurally designed such that the first (single) operating member performs a braking operation, a cable pulling operation in the same manner as the shifting control mechanism described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0083788. And a cable release operation. Of course, the shift control mechanism would need to be suitable for use with the base member 212 and the hydraulic unit 214.

Referring now to Figure 32, there is illustrated a right bicycle hydraulic operating device 310 in accordance with a fourth embodiment. In view of the similarities between the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment, the same components of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment will not be described with respect to the fourth embodiment for the sake of brevity. Similar to the previously discussed embodiment, the handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device 310 includes both a braking function and a shifting function in a single unit mounted to the bicycle. In the fourth embodiment, the handle end type bicycle hydraulic operating device (hereinafter referred to as "operating device") 310 includes a base member 312 and a hydraulic unit 314. Here, the base member 312 is structurally designed to be mounted on a handlebar 2. In particular, the base member 312 includes an outer handlebar securing structure 315 that is structurally designed to contact one of the outer surfaces 2A of the handlebar 2. The outer handlebar fixing structure 315 includes a first or fixed clamping portion 315A and a second or moving clamping portion 315B. One of the first ends of the movable clamping portion 315B is pivotally attached to one of the first ends of the fixed clamping portion 315A by a pivot pin 315C. A fastener, such as a bolt, connects the second ends of the clamping portions 315A and 315B to vary the size of the handle receiving opening. The base member 312 has a structural design to contact one of the ends 312A of the handlebar 2. The hydraulic unit 314 is disposed on the base member 312. In the fourth embodiment, in a state in which the base member 312 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic unit 314 is partially disposed in the handlebar 2 as explained below. Similar to the third embodiment, the hydraulic unit 314 is via a hydraulic hose H is operatively coupled to a hydraulic brake (not shown). In the fourth embodiment, the hydraulic unit 314 is partially disposed within the handlebar 2, as explained below.

In the fourth embodiment, the operating device 310 further includes a shifting unit 316 which is the same as the shifting unit 216 of the third embodiment. Similar to the third embodiment, the shifting unit 316 is operatively coupled to a shifting device (not shown) via a control cable C. Alternatively, it will be apparent from the present disclosure that the operating device 310 can have only the hydraulic unit 314 that can be used to operate any of the bicycle hydraulic components as needed and/or desired.

In the fourth embodiment, the operating device 310 further includes a first operating member 320 and a second operating member 322. The first operating member 320 and the second operating member 322 are for operating the shifting unit 316 in the same manner as the third embodiment discussed above. The first operating member 320 is also operative to operate the hydraulic unit 314 in a manner consistent with the third embodiment discussed above. Furthermore, the first operating member 320 and the second operating member 322 are trigger levers that are biased to their rest position in the same manner as the third embodiment discussed above such that they automatically recover after release from an operating position To its rest position.

The structural design of the hydraulic unit 314 will now be discussed. Here, the hydraulic unit 314 is integrally formed with the outer handle fixing structure 315. Similar to the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 314 includes a hydraulic cylinder 372, a piston 373, and a reservoir 374. The hydraulic cylinder 372 has a cylinder bore 375. The piston 373 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore 375. Preferably, the reservoir 374 has a flexible baffle 377. A hydraulic cylinder 372 extends through the handle receiving opening. Therefore, in a state in which the base member 312 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic cylinder 372 is at least partially disposed in the handlebar 2. The hydraulic unit 314 is substantially identical to the hydraulic unit 214 discussed above, except that the structural design of the reservoir 374 has been modified and the hydraulic cylinder 372 is integrally formed with the first or fixed clamping portion 315A of the outer handlebar fixing structure 315. . Therefore, in this fourth embodiment, in a state in which the base member 312 is attached to the handlebar 2, the receptacle 374 is disposed outside the handlebar 2. Moreover, in terms of the structural design of the reservoir 374, the base member 312 includes a fluid passage 379 that connects the cylinder bore 375 and the reservoir 374. The fluid passage 379 has a connection with one of the ports 372A of the hydraulic cylinder 372. Connected to section 379A. The connecting portion 379A extends in a direction transverse to one of the fluid flow directions between the cylinder bore 375 and the reservoir 374.

Referring now to Figure 33, there is illustrated a right bicycle hydraulic operating device 410 in accordance with a fifth embodiment. In view of the similarities between the third embodiment and the fifth embodiment, the same components of the third embodiment and the fifth embodiment will not be described with respect to the fifth embodiment for the sake of brevity. Similar to the previously discussed embodiment, the handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device 410 includes both a braking function and a shifting function in a single unit mounted to the bicycle. In the fifth embodiment, the handle end type bicycle hydraulic operating device (hereinafter referred to as "operating device") 410 includes a base member 412 and a hydraulic unit 414. Here, the base member 412 is structurally designed to be mounted on a handlebar 2. In particular, the base member 412 includes an outer handlebar securing structure 415 that is structurally designed to contact one of the outer surfaces 2A of the handlebar 2. The outer handlebar fixing structure 415 includes a first or fixed clamping portion 415A and a second or moving clamping portion 415B. One of the first ends of the movable clamping portion 415B is pivotally attached to one of the first ends of the fixed clamping portion 415A by a pivot pin 415C. A fastener, such as a bolt, connects the second ends of the clamping portions 415A and 415B to vary the size of the handle receiving opening. The base member 412 has a structural design to contact one of the ends 412A of the handlebar 2. The hydraulic unit 414 is disposed on the base member 412. In the fifth embodiment, in a state in which the base member 412 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic unit 414 is partially disposed in the handlebar 2 as explained below. Similar to the third embodiment, hydraulic unit 414 is operatively coupled to a hydraulic brake (not shown) via hydraulic hose H. In the fifth embodiment, the hydraulic unit 414 is partially disposed within the handlebar 2, as explained below.

In the fifth embodiment, the operating device 410 further includes a shifting unit 416 which is the same as the shifting unit 216 of the third embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the operating device 410 further includes a first operating member 420 and a second operating member 422. The first operating member 420 and the second operating member 422 are for operating the shifting unit 416 in the same manner as the third embodiment discussed above. The first operating member 420 is also used to be the same as the third discussed above The hydraulic unit 414 is operated in the manner of an embodiment. Furthermore, the first operating member 420 and the second operating member 422 are trigger levers that are biased to their rest position in the same manner as the third embodiment discussed above such that they automatically recover after release from an operating position To its rest position.

The structural design of the hydraulic unit 414 will now be discussed. Here, the hydraulic unit 414 is integrally formed with the outer handle fixing structure 415. Similar to the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 414 includes a hydraulic cylinder 472, a piston 473, and a reservoir 474. The hydraulic cylinder 472 has a cylinder bore 475. The piston 473 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore 475. Preferably, the reservoir 474 has a flexible baffle 477. Hydraulic cylinder 472 extends through the handlebar receiving opening. Therefore, in a state in which the base member 412 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic cylinder 472 is at least partially disposed in the handlebar 2. In addition to the structural design of the modified reservoir 474, the hydraulic unit 414 is substantially identical to the hydraulic unit 314 discussed above. Therefore, in this fifth embodiment, in a state in which the base member 412 is attached to the handlebar 2, the receptacle 474 is disposed outside the handlebar 2. Moreover, in terms of this structural design of the reservoir 474, the base member 412 includes a fluid passage 479 that connects the cylinder bore 475 and the reservoir 474. Fluid passage 479 has a connecting portion 479A adjacent one of ports 472A of hydraulic cylinder 472. The connecting portion 479A extends in a direction transverse to one of the fluid flow directions between the cylinder bore 475 and the reservoir 474.

Moreover, in terms of the structural design of the reservoir 474, the base member 412 has a recess 481 and a cover 482. The recess 481 is disposed between the cylinder bore 475 and the reservoir 474. The cover 482 is structurally designed to cover the recess 481 to define a space between the recess 481 and the cover 482. Fluid passage 479 includes this space between recess 481 and cover 482. The fluid passage 479 can be more easily formed in the base member 412 by providing the recess 481 and the cover 482.

Referring now to Figure 34, there is illustrated a right bicycle hydraulic operating device 510 in accordance with a sixth embodiment. In view of the similarities between the third embodiment and the sixth embodiment, the same components of the third embodiment and the sixth embodiment will not be described with respect to the sixth embodiment for the sake of brevity. Handle end bicycle hydraulic operating device similar to the previously discussed embodiment The 510 includes both a braking function and a shifting function in a single unit mounted to one of the bicycles. In the sixth embodiment, the handle end type bicycle hydraulic operating device (hereinafter referred to as "operating device") 510 includes a base member 512 and a hydraulic unit 514. Here, the base member 512 is structurally designed to be mounted on a handlebar 2. In particular, the base member 512 includes an outer handlebar securing structure 515 that is structurally designed to contact one of the outer surfaces 2A of the handlebar 2. The outer handlebar fixing structure 515 includes a first or fixed clamping portion 515A and a second or moving clamping portion 515B. One of the first ends of the movable clamping portion 515B is pivotally attached to one of the first ends of the fixed clamping portion 515A by a pivot pin 515C. A fastener, such as a bolt, connects the second ends of the clamping portions 515A and 515B to vary the size of the handle receiving opening. The base member 512 has a structural design to contact one of the ends 512A of the handlebar 2. The hydraulic unit 514 is disposed on the base member 512. In the sixth embodiment, in a state in which the base member 512 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic unit 514 is partially disposed in the handlebar 2 as explained below. Similar to the third embodiment, hydraulic unit 514 is operatively coupled to a hydraulic brake (not shown) via hydraulic hose H. In the sixth embodiment, the hydraulic unit 514 is partially disposed within the handlebar 2, as explained below.

In the sixth embodiment, the operating device 510 further includes a shifting unit 516 which is the same as the shifting unit 216 of the third embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the operating device 510 further includes a first operating member 520 and a second operating member 522. The first operating member 520 and the second operating member 522 are for operating the shifting unit 516 in the same manner as the third embodiment discussed above. The first operating member 520 is also operative to operate the hydraulic unit 514 in a manner consistent with the third embodiment discussed above. Furthermore, the first operating member 520 and the second operating member 522 are trigger levers that are biased to their rest position in the same manner as the third embodiment discussed above such that they automatically recover after release from an operating position To its rest position.

The structural design of the hydraulic unit 514 will now be discussed. Here, the hydraulic unit 514 is integrally formed with the outer handle fixing structure 515. Similar to the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 514 includes A hydraulic cylinder 572, a piston 573 and a reservoir 574. The hydraulic cylinder 572 has a cylinder bore 575. The piston 573 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore 575. Preferably, the reservoir 574 has a flexible diaphragm 577. A hydraulic cylinder 572 extends through the handlebar receiving opening. Therefore, in a state in which the base member 512 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic cylinder 572 is at least partially disposed in the handlebar 2. In addition to the structural design of the modified reservoir 574, the hydraulic unit 514 is substantially identical to the hydraulic unit 314 discussed above. Therefore, in this sixth embodiment, in a state in which the base member 512 is attached to the handlebar 2, the receptacle 574 is disposed outside the handlebar 2. Moreover, in terms of this structural design of the reservoir 574, the base member 512 includes a fluid passage 579 that connects the cylinder bore 575 and the reservoir 574. The fluid passage 579 has a connecting portion 579A adjacent to one of the ports 572A of the hydraulic cylinder 572. The connecting portion 579A extends in a direction transverse to one of the fluid flow directions between the cylinder bore 575 and the reservoir 574.

Moreover, in terms of the structural design of the reservoir 574, the fluid channel 579 includes a first channel portion 579B, a second channel portion 579C, and a third channel portion 579D. The second channel portion 579C has an opening 579E. The second channel portion 579C is disposed between the first channel portion 579B and the third channel portion 579D. The base member 512 has a cover 580 that is structurally designed to cover the opening 579E of the second channel portion 579C. The second passage portion 579C has a cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the first passage portion 579B in a direction transverse to one of the fluid flow directions between the cylinder bore 575 and the reservoir 574. The fluid passage 579 can be more easily formed in the base member 512 by providing the second passage portion 579C and the cover 580.

Referring now to Figure 35, there is illustrated a right bicycle hydraulic operating device 610 in accordance with a seventh embodiment. In view of the similarities between the third embodiment and the seventh embodiment, the same components of the third embodiment and the seventh embodiment will not be described with respect to the seventh embodiment for the sake of brevity. Similar to the previously discussed embodiment, the handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device 610 includes both a braking function and a shifting function in a single unit mounted to the bicycle. In the seventh embodiment, the handle end type bicycle hydraulic operating device (hereinafter referred to as "operating device") 610 includes a base member 612 and a hydraulic unit 614. Here, base The seat member 612 is structurally designed to be mounted to a handlebar 2. In particular, the base member 612 includes an outer handle securing structure 615 that is structurally designed to contact one of the outer surfaces 2A of the handlebar 2. The outer handlebar fixing structure 615 includes a first or fixed clamping portion 615A and a second or moving clamping portion 615B. One of the first ends of the movable clamping portion 615B is pivotally attached to one of the first ends of the fixed clamping portion 615A by a pivot pin 615C. A fastener, such as a bolt, connects the second ends of the clamping portions 615A and 615B to vary the size of the handle receiving opening. The base member 612 has a structural design to contact one of the ends 612A of one end of the handlebar 2. The hydraulic unit 614 is disposed on the base member 612. In the seventh embodiment, in a state in which the base member 612 is attached to the handlebar 2, the hydraulic unit 614 is partially disposed in the handlebar 2 as explained below. Similar to the third embodiment, hydraulic unit 614 is operatively coupled to a hydraulic brake (not shown) via hydraulic hose H. In the seventh embodiment, the hydraulic unit 614 is partially disposed within the handlebar 2, as explained below.

In the seventh embodiment, the operating device 610 further includes a shifting unit 616 which is the same as the shifting unit 216 of the third embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the operating device 610 further includes a first operating member 620 and a second operating member 622. The first operating member 620 and the second operating member 622 are for operating the shifting unit 616 in the same manner as the third embodiment discussed above. The first operating member 620 is also operative to operate the hydraulic unit 614 in a manner consistent with the third embodiment discussed above. Furthermore, the first operating member 620 and the second operating member 622 are trigger levers that are biased to their rest position in the same manner as the third embodiment discussed above such that they automatically recover after release from an operating position To its rest position.

The structural design of the hydraulic unit 614 will now be discussed. Here, the hydraulic unit 614 is integrally formed with the outer handle fixing structure 615. Similar to the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 614 includes a hydraulic cylinder 672, a piston 673, and a reservoir 674. The hydraulic cylinder 672 has a cylinder bore 675. The piston 673 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore 675. Preferably, the reservoir 674 has a flexible baffle 677. A hydraulic cylinder 672 extends through the handlebar receiving opening. Therefore, in which the base member The 612 is mounted to the state of the handlebar 2, and the hydraulic cylinder 672 is at least partially disposed within the handlebar 2. In addition to the structural design of the modified reservoir 674, the hydraulic unit 614 is substantially identical to the hydraulic unit 314 discussed above. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, in a state in which the base member 612 is attached to the handlebar 2, the receptacle 674 is disposed outside the handlebar 2. Moreover, in terms of this structural design of the reservoir 674, the base member 612 includes a fluid passage 679 that connects the cylinder bore 675 and the reservoir 674. Fluid passage 679 has a connecting portion 679A adjacent one of ports 672A of hydraulic cylinder 672. The connecting portion 679A extends in a direction transverse to one of the fluid flow directions between the cylinder bore 675 and the reservoir 674.

Moreover, in terms of the structural design of the reservoir 674, the fluid passage 679 includes a first passage portion 679B and a second passage portion 679C. The second passage portion 679C has a cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the first passage portion 679B in a direction transverse to one of the fluid flow directions between the cylinder bore 675 and the reservoir 674. The fluid passage 679 can be more easily formed in the base member 612 by providing the second passage portion 679C.

The term "comprise" and its derivatives, as used herein, is intended to be an open-ended term, and is intended to mean the presence of other recited features, components, components, groups, and/or steps. However, there are other features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps that are not stated. The above also applies to terms having similar meanings, such as the terms "including", "having" and the like. In addition, the terms "part", "section", "part", "component" or "component" used in the singular can have the meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts, unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms "facing the frame side", "not facing the frame side", "forward", "backward", "before", "after", "up", "down", "above", "below", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "horizontal" and any other similar directionality The term refers to the direction of the bicycle that is located in the upright riding position and is equipped with one of the handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating devices. Accordingly, the directional term used to describe the hydraulic operation of the handlebar end bicycle should be It is interpreted as a bicycle that is equipped with a handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device relative to an upright riding position on a horizontal plane. The terms "left" and "right" are used to mean "right" when viewed from the right (when viewed from behind the bicycle) and "left" when viewed from the left (when viewed from behind the bicycle).

It should also be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" are used herein to describe various components, such components are not limited to such terms. These terms are only used to distinguish components. Thus, for example, one of the first components discussed above may be referred to as a second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The term "attach" as used herein encompasses a structural design in which an element is directly attached to another element by attaching it directly to the other element; An intermediate member (which in turn is attached to another element) to indirectly fix the element to the structural design of the other element; and one of the elements is integrated with the other element (ie, one element is essentially part of another element) ) structural design. This definition also applies to terms with similar meanings such as "joining", "connecting", "coupling", "installing", "combining", "fixing" and the like. Finally, terms of degree (such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately") used herein mean the amount of deviation of the modified term that does not cause a significant change in the final result.

While the invention has been described in terms of a particular embodiment, it is understood that the invention may be modified and modified herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the dimensions, shapes, locations or orientations of the various components may be varied as needed or desired, unless otherwise specified, as long as the changes do not substantially affect the desired function of the components. Components that are shown directly connected or in contact with each other can have intermediate structures disposed between the components, as long as the changes do not substantially affect the desired function of the components, unless otherwise specified. The function of one element can be performed by two elements, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. The structure and function of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment. Not all advantages are necessarily presented simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Different from each feature of the prior art (alone or in combination with other features) should also be One of the additional inventions of the Applicant is considered to be a separate description of the structure and/or functional concept embodied by this (etc.) feature. Therefore, the above description of the embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative only, and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (19)

A handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device includes: a base member structurally designed to be mounted on a handle, the base member having a structural design to contact one of the ends of the handle And a hydraulic unit disposed on the base member, the hydraulic unit comprising: a hydraulic cylinder having a cylinder bore; a piston movably disposed in the cylinder bore; and a receptacle In fluid communication with the cylinder bore; an operating member pivotally disposed relative to the base member about a pivot axis (A1) for moving the piston within the cylinder bore, wherein the receptacle has a flexible diaphragm The flexible baffle is disposed in the reservoir to provide a storage tank in fluid communication with the cylinder bore, and the storage tank is radially offset from the cylinder bore when viewed from a direction parallel to one of the pivot axes . An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is at least partially disposed in the handlebar in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 2, wherein the receptacle is disposed outside the handlebar in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 3, wherein the base member includes an outer handle fixing structure that is structurally designed to contact one of the outer surfaces of the handle. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 3, wherein the base member includes a fluid passage connecting the cylinder bore and the reservoir. An end-type bicycle hydraulic operating device as claimed in claim 5, wherein The base member has a recess disposed between the cylinder bore and the receptacle, and a cover configured to cover the recess to define a space between the recess and the cover; And the fluid passage includes the space between the recess and the cover. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid passage includes a first passage portion and a second passage portion, the second passage portion being transverse to the cylinder bore and the receptacle One of the fluid flow directions has a cross-sectional dimension that is larger than the first channel portion. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 7, wherein the fluid passage further comprises a third passage portion; the second passage portion has an opening, and the second passage portion is disposed in the first passage portion Between the third channel portions; and the base member has a cover that is structurally designed to cover the opening of the second channel portion. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 5, wherein the fluid passage has a connecting portion adjacent to a port of the hydraulic cylinder, the connecting portion being laterally between the cylinder bore and the receptacle The direction of fluid flow extends in one direction. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 2, wherein the receptacle is at least partially disposed within the handlebar in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 10, wherein the base member includes an outer handle fixing structure that is structurally designed to contact one of the outer surfaces of the handle. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is disposed in the hand when the base member is mounted to the handle Put it outside. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 12, wherein the receptacle is disposed outside the handlebar in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 12, wherein the receptacle is at least partially disposed within the handlebar in a state in which the base member is mounted to the handlebar. The handlebar end bicycle hydraulic operating device of claim 1, further comprising an additional unit disposed on the base member and one of the operating members. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 15 wherein the additional unit is structurally designed to operate a control cable. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 16 wherein the additional unit is mounted to the base member. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 15 wherein the additional unit includes an electrical switch. An end handle bicycle hydraulic operating device according to claim 18, wherein the electric switch is mounted to the operating member.