TWI728271B - Bicycle operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention refers to a bicycle operating device 10 comprising a base member 12 including a proximal end portion P, a distal end portion D opposite to the proximal end portion P, a gripping portion G between the proximal end portion P and the distal end portion D, a cylinder bore 40, and an axle 34 defining a first pivot axis I. The bicycle operating device 10 further comprises a mounting structure 18 configured for mounting the base member 12 to a handlebar 5 and an operating member 32 pivotally coupled to the base member 12 about the first pivot axis I between a rest position and an operated position. Furthermore, the bicycle operating device 10 comprises a piston 36 movably provided in the cylinder bore 40. The piston 36 is operatively coupled to the operating member 32 to be moved in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member 32 from the rest position to the operated position. The bicycle operating device 10 further comprises a link structure 46 configured for operatively coupling the operating member 32 to the piston 36 and the axle 34.

Description

Bicycle operating device

The invention relates to a bicycle operating device.

Although the conventional bicycle operating device has proved its functionality, it has been shown that there is still room for improvement in view of the development of the braking force achieved during the operation of the bicycle operating device. In detail, it is necessary to adjust the bicycle operating device, especially its operating characteristics, to adapt to the user's preferences and/or physical needs.

Taking these requirements into consideration, an object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle operating device that can provide improved, especially adjustable operating characteristics.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle operating device includes a base member, a mounting structure, a piston, and a connecting rod structure. The base component has a proximal portion, a distal portion opposite to the proximal portion, and a grip portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. Above it, the base member has a cylinder inner diameter and a rotation axis defining a first pivot axis. The mounting structure is configured to mount the base component to a handlebar. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member so that the operating member can pivot about the first pivot axis between a rest position and an operating position. The piston is movably provided in the inner diameter of the cylinder and is operatively coupled to the operating member so that the piston can move in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member from the rest position to the operated position. The connecting rod structure is configured to operatively couple the operating member to the piston and the rotating shaft.

The bicycle operating device according to the first aspect is used to realize a simple but functional configuration, thereby providing improved operating characteristics due to the direct transmission of the force applied by the user to the operating component to the hydraulic energy. In addition, this configuration realizes various possibilities for the following operations: adjusting the operating characteristics of the operating device by, for example, adjusting the inner diameter of the cylinder and/or the structure of the piston; or adjusting the installation of the connecting rod structure or by providing such as later The adjustable abutment structure described in more detail modifies the transmission path of the applied force.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect further includes a shift unit provided on one of the base member and the operating member.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect, it is possible to substantially increase the functionality of the bicycle operating device, so that, for example, in addition to the operation of the brake unit, it is also possible to operate the shift unit via a common operating device. Therefore, the user can operate the brake unit without changing the grip. Finally, because the number of separate components used for the bicycle is reduced, the cost of the bicycle is also saved and the structure configuration is simplified. Therefore, a compact design of the bicycle operating device is realized. Even in aerodynamics, this integrated and compact design is superior to known devices.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect is configured such that the shift unit is provided on the base member.

By using the bicycle operating device according to the third aspect, since the shifting unit is prevented from being movable relative to the base member, and therefore, the handlebars and the bicycle operating device of the bicycle are coupled to other components via the base member. Simplifies the overall configuration and functionality of the bicycle operating device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect or the third aspect is configured such that the shift unit is configured to be operated by the operating member.

The bicycle operating device according to the fourth aspect is used to activate the combined operation of the shift unit and, for example, the brake unit. This activation is caused by the unclear components that reduce the cost and complexity of the bicycle operating device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect is configured such that the link structure includes a first link and a second link, wherein the second link The connecting rod is coupled to the rotating shaft of the base member.

The use of the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect increases the flexibility of adjusting the bicycle operating device. Therefore, a further degree of freedom of movement can be used to further improve the operating characteristics of the bicycle operating device.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect is configured such that the second link is pivotally coupled to the rotation axis of the base member, so that the second link can pivot about the first pivot axis turn.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to transmit the pivoting movement of the operating member to the piston in a simple and adjustable manner, which results in a highly flexible bicycle operating device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect is configured such that the first link is configured to operatively couple the piston to the second link. The second link is configured to operatively couple the first link to the operating member, so that the operating force applied to the operating member by the user is transmitted from the operating member to the piston.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect, a highly functional bicycle operating device is realized, which has an improved operating characteristic, and separately, the force applied to the operating member penetrates into the improved characteristic of the brake unit of the bicycle in particular. In addition, the configuration of this structure is quite simple, and therefore, it is cost-effective.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the first link has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the first connecting rod is pivotally coupled to the piston, so that the first connecting rod can pivot about a second pivot, which is spaced apart from the first pivot.

The use of the bicycle operating device according to the eighth aspect realizes a further degree of freedom of movement for the force applied to the operating member to be transmitted to the piston, which results in a greatly increased adjustability of the bicycle operating device. Therefore, it is possible to improve the clear structure configuration of the bicycle operating device so that, for example, a small amount of friction occurs when operating the bicycle operating device. In addition, due to the improved packaging of the various provided components of the bicycle operating device, the overall cross-sectional extension can be reduced.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the eighth aspect is configured such that the second link has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the second link is pivotally coupled to the second end of the first link, so that the second link can pivot relative to the first link about a third pivot, the third pivot and The first pivot and the second pivot are spaced apart.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect, the operating characteristics of the bicycle operating device can be adjusted through at least one of further movement and/or rotation degrees of freedom, which ultimately leads to improved operating characteristics and functionality of the bicycle operating device .

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect is configured such that the second end of the second link is operatively coupled to the operating member.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the tenth aspect, the second link is configured to affect the operating characteristics of the entire bicycle operating component, so that improved operating characteristics can be finally realized.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect is configured such that the second link has an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end, And the middle part is coupled to the rotating shaft of the base part.

By using the bicycle operating device according to the eleventh aspect, the reversal in the effective direction of the transmission force is obtained, so that in view of the cross-sectional extension of the bicycle operating device, the structural configuration of the bicycle operating device can be further improved. Therefore, by adjusting the lifting arm in the bicycle operating device, it is possible to further adjust the force penetrating the rotation axis of the base member by optimizing the accurate support of the second link.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the fifth aspect to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the operating member includes a main body and an abutting member, and the abutting member is assembled State to abut against the second connecting rod.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to restrict the movement and/or rotational freedom of the second link in a better manner. Therefore, it is possible to further optimize the operating characteristics of the bicycle operating device.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the abutting member includes a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface. The abutting member is rotatably coupled to the main body around the fourth pivot axis. The distance between the fourth pivot and each of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface is different from each other.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, by the rotation of the abutting member, and therefore, the adjustment of the accurate orientation of the related abutting surface, the final movement and/or rotation freedom of the second link can be easily adjusted degree. Therefore, for example, it is possible to appropriately adjust the static position of the operating member to meet the personal and/or physical needs of the user. In detail, it is possible to adjust the position of the operating member to adapt to the grip width of the rider by adjusting the distance between the operating member and the handlebar.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect or the sixth aspect is configured such that the first link is provided on the operating member. The first connecting rod is configured to operatively couple the operating member to the piston. The second link is configured to operatively couple the rotating shaft of the base member to the first link.

By using the bicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, the force applied to the operating member is directly transmitted to the piston, and the specific characteristics of this transmission can be adjusted in very various ways through the second connecting rod.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the first link has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the first link is fixedly coupled to the operating member.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, the force applied to the operating member is transmitted to the piston, thereby reducing friction loss and having a reduced space configuration.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect is configured such that the second end of the first link is pivotally coupled to the piston, so that the first The connecting rod is pivotable relative to the piston about a second pivot axis that is spaced apart from the first pivot axis.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to transmit the force applied to the operating member to the piston with reduced friction loss and adjustable space height. Therefore, the operating characteristics of the bicycle operating device are enhanced, and the cross-sectional extension of the bicycle operating device is substantially reduced.

According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the second link has a first end and a second opposite to the first end Ends. The first end of the second link is pivotally coupled to the rotation axis of the base member, so that the second link can pivot about the first pivot axis relative to the base member. The second end of the second link is pivotally coupled to the first link, so that the second link can pivot relative to the first link about a third pivot, the third pivot and the first pivot and The second pivots are spaced apart.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, such as, for example, by accurately positioning the coupling member between the first link and the second link and the leverage effect obtained therefrom, it is possible to further adjust the application to the operating rod. The force is transmitted to the piston.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect is configured such that the first link has an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end. The second end of the second link is pivotally coupled to the middle part of the first link, so that the second link can pivot relative to the first link about the third pivot axis.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, the force applied to the operating member can be reversed in the effective direction, and therefore, it is possible to further adjust the structure configuration of the bicycle operating device. For example, these adaptations can be used to improve the operating characteristics of the bicycle operating device and/or to substantially reduce the cross-sectional extension of the bicycle operating device.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects further includes a hydraulic oil tank fluidly connected to the inner diameter of the cylinder.

Using the bicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, the hydraulic chamber can be directly and easily filled with hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic oil tank without the need to provide an external hydraulic oil tank. Therefore, the number of separately provided bicycle components can be further reduced. In addition, the user does not necessarily have to consider the externally provided hydraulic oil tank, thus leading to a compact and integrated overall design of the bicycle operating device. Finally, this hydraulic oil tank can act as a compensation tank for absorbing pressure changes due to the thermal expansion of the hydraulic fluid provided in the inner diameter of the cylinder.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first aspect to the nineteenth aspect further includes a piston adjustment structure configured to adjust the piston relative to the base The initial position of the component.

Using the bicycle operating device according to this aspect, the operating characteristics of the bicycle operating device can be further modified to meet the user's preference and/or physical needs.

In the following description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals indicate corresponding or identical elements in various drawings. It will be obvious to those who are familiar with bicycle technology that the following description is provided for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the purpose of the present invention, because the following description is defined by the scope of the attached patent application and its equivalents.

First, refer to Figure 1 to show bicycle 1. The bicycle 1 is equipped with a bicycle operating device 10 according to the present invention. Although the bicycle 1 is shown in the form of a road racing bicycle, the bicycle operating device 10 is not limited to a bicycle used for road racing, but can also be used for other types of bicycles. Herein, the bicycle operating device 10 is configured to operate at least one of the front braking device 2a for braking the front wheels 3a and the rear braking device 2b for braking the rear wheels 3b, as well as the front shifting device 4a and the rear shifting device At least one of 4b. As shown, the front brake device 2a and the rear brake device 2b are wheel rim brakes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the front brake device 2a and the rear brake device 2b may also be disc brake devices.

The bicycle operating device 10 is coupled to the handlebar 5, and the handlebar 5 is attached to the steer tube of the front fork 6a of the bicycle 1 via a lever handle. The handlebar 5 has a drop down handlebar shape. The front fork 6a is pivotally coupled to the main frame 6b of the bicycle 1. The rear wheel 3b is rotatably coupled to the main frame 6b, and the front wheel 3a is rotatably coupled to the front fork 6a. The front shifting device 4a and the rear shifting device 4b form a bicycle shifting system that is well known in the current advanced technology. For the sake of brevity, the reason for further detailed description is not given in this article. The bicycle 1 includes two bicycle operating devices 10, which are respectively coupled to the lower bending portion 5a of the handlebar 5 (the bicycle operating device 10 arranged on the left side is not shown in FIG. 1).

The two bicycle operating devices 10 are identical in structure to each other, but are mirror images compared to each other to meet the requirements of being operated by the left hand or the right hand of the rider respectively. The bicycle operating device 10 is coupled to one of the front brake device 2a and the rear brake device 2b via a hydraulic hose. The bicycle operating device 10 is coupled to one of the front shift device 4a and the rear shift device 4b via a Bowden-type shift cable.

Hereinafter, the preferred first embodiment of the bicycle operating device 10 will be described in more detail. The bicycle operating device 10 is configured to be coupled to the lower right corner portion 5a of the handlebar 5. It must be noted that for the bicycle operating device 10 configured to be coupled to the lower left corner of the handlebar 5, compared with the bicycle operating device 10 of the lower right corner 5a, the structural configuration will have to be exactly a mirror image. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, a detailed description of the bicycle operating device 10 of the left lower corner portion will be omitted.

2 to 6 illustrate several perspective views of the bicycle operating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6, the bicycle operating device 10 includes a base member 12 and a mounting structure 18. The base member 12 includes a proximal portion P, a distal portion D opposite to the proximal portion P, a grip portion G between the proximal portion P and the distal portion D, a cylinder inner diameter 40, and a first pivot axis. I of the shaft 34. The grip part G is configured to be grasped by the user of the bicycle 1. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the shift unit 24 and the brake unit 26 are provided on the base member 12. The brake unit 26 includes a cylinder inner diameter 40. In this embodiment, the mounting structure 18 includes a clamp attached to the proximal portion P of the base member 12. The mounting structure 18 is configured to clamp the handlebar 5 between the clamp and the proximal portion P of the base member 12. The base member 12 can be mounted to the handlebar 5 by this mounting structure 18. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the proximal portion P of the base member 12 has a hose coupling portion 28 and a cable guiding portion 30. A hydraulic hose (not shown) is coupled to the hose coupling portion 28 in a conventional manner so as to transmit the operating force from the bicycle operating device 10 to the braking device 2a and/or 2b. The inner wire of the Bowden type shift cable (not shown) is coupled to the shift unit 24 and guided along the cable guide portion 30 so as to transmit the operating force from the bicycle operating device 10 to the shift device 4a and/or 4b.

In this embodiment, the base member 12 has a base member main body 14 and a base member cover 16. The base member main body 14 is made of metal or synthetic resin or plastic. The other components of the bicycle operating device 10 are coupled to the base part main body 14. The base member main body 14 is at least partially covered by the base member cover 16. The base member cover 16 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or any other suitable material that provides a comfortable grip for the rider. The surface of the base part cover 16 is structured or textured to provide a stable grip for the rider. On the other hand, the base member cover 16 protects the base member main body 14 and the components of the bicycle operating device 10 from contamination (contamination/soiling), especially rain or dirt. Since the base member cover 16 is made of an elastic material, it can be temporarily bent down from the base member body 14 to facilitate the installation of the base member 12 to the handlebar 5 and/or the elements that facilitate access to the bicycle operating device 10 , And can then be imposed on the base member body 14 again.

Because in this embodiment, the shift unit 24 is constructed in a well-known manner known from DE 10 2016 010 834 A1, for the sake of brevity, a detailed description of the shift unit 24 is omitted.

The different structural configurations of the brake unit 26 can be best obtained from the cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 7 and the enlarged cross-sectional views illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The bicycle operating device 10 further includes an operating member 32 that is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 about a first pivot axis I between a rest position and an operating position. The operating member 32 is operatively coupled to the shift unit 24 and the brake unit 26. The operating member 32 has two separate lever arms 32a and 32b. The main or first lever arm 32a is configured to pivot about the shift axis SA for activating the shift unit 24 to operate at least one of the shift devices 4a and 4b, so as to cause one of an upshift and a downshift , Thereby moving the chain from the initial sprocket to the target sprocket (not shown). In addition, the first lever arm 32a is configured to pivot about the first pivot axis I for activating the braking unit 26 to operate at least one of the braking devices 2a and 2b. The additional or second lever arm 32b is configured to pivot about the shift axis SA for activating the shift unit 24 to operate at least one of the shifting devices 4a and 4b, so as to cause the other of upshifting and downshifting One is to move the chain from the initial sprocket to the target sprocket (not shown). In order to operate the shift unit 24, the first lever arm 32a and/or the second lever arm 32b must pivot about the shift axis SA. Of course, when an electronic shift unit is provided and the electronic shift device is operated via a hard-wire connection or wireless connection, instead of the shift unit 24 as a mechanical unit, the operating member 32 includes an electronic shift button or the like instead of a lever Arms 32a, 32b.

The configuration and functionality of the braking unit 26 according to the present invention will now be discussed in more detail.

The operating member 32 serving as a lever is pivotally coupled to the base member 12 via a rotating shaft 34. The operating member 32 can be positioned relative to the base member 12 between the rest position as illustrated in FIG. 7 and the operating position as indicated by the operating direction OD in FIG. 7, around a first pivot I extending along the rotation axis 34 Pivot.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the brake unit 26 of the bicycle operating device 10 includes a piston 36 movably provided in the inner diameter 40 of the cylinder. The piston 36 is operatively coupled to the operating member 32 to move in response to the pivotal movement of the operating member 32 from the rest position to the operated position about the first pivot axis I. The bicycle operating device 10 further includes a connecting rod structure 46 configured to operatively couple the operating member 32 to the piston 36 and the rotating shaft 34. As can be seen in detail from FIGS. 8 and 9, the operating member 32 is coupled to the piston 36 via the connecting rod structure 46. By pivoting the operating member 32 in the operating direction OD, the piston 36 moves from its initial position to its target position into the cylinder bore 40, and therefore, the forward brake device 2a and the rear brake device 2a and the rear are braked through the hydraulic hose (not shown) At least one of the braking devices 2b provides hydraulic pressure for initiating a braking action.

The connecting rod structure 46 includes a first connecting rod 46a and a second connecting rod 46b. The second link 46b is coupled to the rotating shaft 34 of the base member 12. The second link 46b is pivotally coupled to the rotation shaft 34 of the base member 12 about the first pivot shaft I. The second link 46b is torque-coupled to the operating member 32. The first connecting rod 46a is configured to operatively couple the piston 36 to the second connecting rod 46b. In detail, the first link 46a is pivotally coupled to the piston 36 at the first end 46a1, so that the first link 46a can pivot relative to the piston 36 about the second pivot II. The second pivot II is spaced apart from the first pivot I. The second connecting rod 46 b is configured to operatively couple the first connecting rod 46 a to the operating member 32 to transmit operating force from the operating member 32 to the piston 36. In detail, the second end 46a2 of the first link 46a is pivotally coupled to the first end 46b1 of the second link 46b around the third pivot axis III. The third pivot III is spaced apart from the first pivot I and the second pivot II. The second link 46b further includes a second end 46b2, and the second end 46b2 is opposite to the first end 46b1 of the second link 46b. The second end 46b2 of the second link 46b is operatively coupled to the operating member 32. The second link 46b has an intermediate portion 46b3 located between the first end 46b1 and the second end 46b2. The middle portion 46b3 is coupled to the rotating shaft 34 of the base member 12. The operating member 32 includes a main body 32c and an abutting member 32d. The abutting member 32d is configured to abut the second link 46b. As shown in FIG. 8, the abutting member 32d abuts against the second link 46b at its second end 46b2. The abutting member 32d is rotatably coupled to the main body 32c of the operating member 32 around the fourth pivot axis IV. The abutting member 32d includes a first abutting surface 32d1 and a second abutting surface 32d2. The distance between the fourth pivot IV and each of the first abutting surface 32d1 and the second abutting surface 32d2 is different. In detail, the distance “a” between the fourth pivot IV and the first abutting surface 32d1 is different from the distance “b” between the fourth pivot IV and the second abutting surface 32d2.

In this configuration, depending on the rotational orientation of the abutting member 32d relative to the main body 32c, the rest position and the operated position of the operating member 32 can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the stationary position and the operated position of the operating member 32 in view of the user's personal preference and/or physical needs. For example, for users with small hands, the rest position and the manipulated position can be at least slightly shifted to the operating direction OD, and therefore, closer to the handlebar compared to the better positions for those with relatively large hands. 5.

The bicycle operating device 10 further has a hydraulic oil tank 38 fluidly connected to the cylinder inner diameter 40 and a first elastic element 42 and a second elastic element 44. With the hydraulic oil tank 38, it is possible to refill the cylinder bore 40 with hydraulic fluid in the event of a leak, and therefore the hydraulic system, and/or absorb the pressure change of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system. For example, these pressure changes can be caused by the thermal expansion of the hydraulic fluid, especially by the heat generated during the braking action. The first spring element 42 is provided in the form of a mechanical spring, which springs the piston 36 toward its rest or initial position. The second spring element 44 is provided in the form of a mechanical spring, which springs the second link 46b toward the abutting member 32d. In other words, the first elastic element 42 and the second elastic element 44 are provided to ensure that in the non-operating state of the operating member 32, the piston 36 and the operating member 32 are elastically pressed to their rest or initial positions.

Now, in order to explain the functionality of the brake unit 26 of the bicycle operating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a brake procedure will be described.

First, due to the non-operating state of the elastic members 42, 44, the operating member 32 and the piston 36 are in their rest or initial positions, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Therefore, no pressure is applied to the hydraulic fluid provided in the inner diameter 40 of the cylinder. Therefore, the respective braking device 2a or 2b coupled to the bicycle operating device 10 is not activated. In the non-operating state, no braking force is generated, which is especially ensured by the elastic members 42, 44. The exact position of the static or initial position of the operating member 32 is determined by the current orientation of the abutting member 32d, as described above. In order to adjust the initial position of the piston 36 in the cylinder inner diameter 40, a piston adjustment structure (not illustrated) can be further provided.

Once the operating member 32 pivots about the first pivot axis I in the operating direction OD, this rotational movement of the operating member 32 is transmitted to the second link 46b via the abutting member 32d. In response to this transmission, the second link 46b rotates about the rotation axis 34 together with the operating member 32, and therefore, rotates about the first pivot axis I. Therefore, the first end 46b1 of the second link 46b circulates around the first pivot axis I in the counterclockwise operating direction OD. In response to this movement of the first end 46b1 of the second link 46b, the first link 46a moves due to its coupling to the first end of the second link 46b as described above. Since the first connecting rod 46a is also coupled to the piston 36, the piston 36 is eventually caused to move along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder inner diameter 40. Since the first connecting rod 46 a is pivotally coupled to the second connecting rod 46 b and the piston 36, the rotational movement of the operating member 32 is converted into the longitudinal movement of the piston 36 within the inner diameter 40 of the cylinder. Therefore, by rotating the operating member 32 to the operating direction OD, the piston 36 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element 42 and moves into the cylinder inner diameter 40. With this movement of the piston 36 within the cylinder bore 40, the hydraulic fluid provided in the cylinder bore 40 is pressurized. This pressure is directly transmitted to the respective braking device 2a or 2b via a hydraulic hose or indirectly via, for example, a hard cloth cable. In this context, this operation signal or force is transmitted to the imaginary force applied to the respective wheel 3a or 3b of the bicycle 1 for braking, for example, by a bicycle rim brake or a bicycle disc brake.

The degree of imaginary force achieved depends on the pressure in the cylinder bore 40, and therefore, can be tuned by adjusting the force applied to the operating member 32, and therefore, the degree of movement of the piston 36 within the cylinder bore 40.

Once the operating member 32 is released, the pressing members 42 and 44 move the piston 36 and the operating member 32 backward to the rest position. This causes the hydraulic fluid in the cylinder bore 40 to relax, and therefore, causes the braking operation of the corresponding braking device 2a or 2b to be cancelled. Therefore, reliable braking operation is realized.

Referring now to Fig. 10, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The second embodiment according to FIG. 10 is different from the first embodiment according to FIGS. 2 to 9 and described above mainly in view of the clear structural configuration of the connecting rod structure 146. Therefore, only the elements related thereto will be described in more detail. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to the enlarged cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 8.

In the second embodiment, the first link 146a is provided on the operating member 132. The first connecting rod 146 a is configured to operatively couple the operating member 132 to the piston 136. As shown, the first link 146a is provided integrally with the operating member 132. The first link 146 a is pivotally coupled to the piston 136 such that the operating member 132 is operatively coupled to the piston 136. The second link 146b is configured to operatively couple the rotation shaft 134 of the base member 12 to the first link 146a. Therefore, the second link 146b can pivot about the first pivot axis I'. The second link 146b is further coupled to the first link 146a to operably couple the first link 146a to the rotating shaft 134 of the base member 12. The first link 146a has a first end 146a1 and a second end 146a2 opposite to the first end 146a1. The first end 146a1 of the first link 146a is fixedly coupled to the operating member 132. The second end 146a2 of the first connecting rod 146a is pivotally coupled to the piston 136 about a second pivot II′, which is spaced apart from the first pivot I′. Therefore, the first connecting rod 146a and the piston 136 can pivot relative to each other about the second pivot II'. The second link 146b has a first end 146b1 and a second end 146b2 opposite to the first end 146b1. The first end 146b1 of the second link 146b is pivotally coupled to the rotation axis 134 of the base member 112 about the first pivot axis I′. The second end 146b2 of the second link 146b is pivotally coupled to the first link 146a about a third pivot III', which is connected to the first pivot I'and the second pivot II' Spaced apart. The first link 146a has an intermediate portion 146a3 located between the first end 146a1 and the second end 146a2. The second end 146b2 of the second link 146b is pivotally coupled to the middle portion 146a3 of the first link 146a around the third pivot III'. Therefore, the second link 146b' and the first link 146a can pivot relative to each other about the third pivot III'. The third pivot III' is spaced apart from the first pivot I'and the second pivot II'.

In the case of this configuration, the operating member 132 moves into the operating direction OD, and in detail, the rotation of the operating member 132 around the first pivot I'is converted into the longitudinal movement of the piston 136 within the inner diameter of the cylinder for use To activate the braking device 2a or 2b. In this configuration, the second elastic component can be omitted.

By modifying the structural characteristics of the first link 146a and the second link 146b, the operating characteristics of the bicycle operating device 10 according to the second embodiment can be adjusted in various ways to conform to the bicycle 1, and therefore, the use of the bicycle operating device 10 The individual’s personal preferences and/or physical needs. For example, the length of the connecting rod and the exact position of its coupling can be changed to improve the operating characteristics.

Although only selected embodiments have been described in detail to illustrate the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the present invention that many changes can be made without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended patents. And modify.

For example, the operating member 32 can be provided as a lever with only one lever arm. In addition, an electrically operated shifting system can be provided so that the bicycle operating device 10 has an electronic shifting unit, which is operated by a switch and is wirelessly or hard-wiredly coupled to the electric motor of the electronic shifting device. In addition, a bicycle operating device 10 may also be provided, which does not have a shift unit 24 and is configured to operate only one of the brake units 2a or 2b of the bicycle 1.

In addition, there are a lot of obvious further modifications for those familiar with the technology.

It points out the fact that although a detailed description of some sections, especially the elements of the bicycle operating device, has been given, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the description of other elements that are not entirely part of the present invention has been omitted . For example, although no clear description is given, the bicycle operating device certainly includes: in particular, a number of sealing components provided between the piston and the inner wall of the cylinder inner diameter, and the different components of the bicycle operating device. Various fixing members coupled to each of the others, and various further preferably provided and/or necessary components. The configurations of these other structural elements and/or various elements of the bicycle operating device are well known to those skilled in the art, and are therefore implicitly disclosed in the present invention.

Finally, it should be known that all the described components of the bicycle operating device can be integrally formed with other components of the bicycle operating device, or assembled, as long as the various components, and especially the expected functionality of the entire bicycle operating device, are not interfered with by the modification. can.

1‧‧‧Bicycle 2a‧‧‧Front brake 2b‧‧‧Rear brake 3a‧‧‧Front wheel 3b‧‧‧Rear wheel 4a‧‧‧Front gear 4b‧‧‧Rear gear 5‧‧‧ Handlebar 5a‧‧‧Lower right part 6a‧‧‧Front fork 6b‧‧‧Main frame 10‧‧‧Bicycle operating device 12‧‧‧Base part 14‧‧‧Base part main body 16‧‧‧Base Seat part cover 18‧‧‧Mounting structure 24‧‧‧Shift unit 26‧‧‧Brake unit 28‧‧‧Hose coupling part 30‧‧‧Cable guide part 32‧‧‧Operating part/rod 32a ‧‧‧Main or first lever arm 32b‧‧‧Additional or second lever arm 32c‧‧‧Main body 32d‧‧‧Abutment member 32d1‧‧‧First abutment surface 32d2‧‧‧Second abutment surface 34 ‧‧‧Rotating shaft 36‧‧‧Piston 38‧‧‧Hydraulic oil tank 40‧‧‧Cylinder inner diameter 42‧‧‧First elastic element/elastic part 44‧‧‧Second elastic element/elastic part 46‧‧‧Connecting rod Structure 46a‧‧‧First link 46a1‧‧‧First end 46a2‧‧‧Second end 46b‧‧‧Second link 46b1‧‧‧First end 46b2‧‧‧Second end 46b3 ‧‧‧Middle part 132‧‧‧Operating part 134‧‧‧Rotating shaft 136‧‧‧Piston 146‧‧‧Connecting rod structure 146a‧‧‧First connecting rod 146a1‧‧‧First end 146a2‧‧‧Second End 146a3‧‧‧Middle part 146b‧‧‧Second link 146b1‧‧‧First end 146b2‧‧‧Second end a‧‧‧Distance b‧‧‧Distance D‧‧‧Distal part G ‧‧‧Grip part I‧‧‧First pivot IV‧‧‧Fourth pivot I'‧‧‧First pivot II‧‧‧Second pivot II'‧‧‧Second pivot III‧ ‧‧Third Pivot III'‧‧‧Third Pivot OD‧‧‧Operation Direction P‧‧‧Proximal Part SA‧‧‧Shift Shaft

When the present invention is better understood by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be easier to obtain a more complete understanding of the present invention and many of the accompanying advantages of the present invention. 1 is a side elevation view of a bicycle with a bicycle operating device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a first perspective view of a bicycle operating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a bicycle operating device illustrated in Figure 2 Figure 4 is a first side view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is a second side view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in Figures 2 to 4; Figure 6 Fig. 2 is a rear view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in Figs. 2 to 6; Fig. 8 is a view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in Fig. 7 Enlarged sectional view; Fig. 9 is a further enlarged partial view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in Fig. 8; and Fig. 10 illustrates the configuration of the second embodiment according to the present invention, similar to the sectional view illustrated in Fig. 8 Enlarge the section view.

10‧‧‧Bicycle operating device

12‧‧‧Base Parts

18‧‧‧Installation structure

24‧‧‧Shift unit

26‧‧‧Brake unit

32a‧‧‧Main or primary lever arm

32b‧‧‧Additional or second lever arm

32c‧‧‧Main body

34‧‧‧Shaft

36‧‧‧Piston

38‧‧‧Hydraulic Oil Tank

40‧‧‧Cylinder inner diameter

42‧‧‧The first elastic component / elastic component

44‧‧‧Second elastic component / elastic component

46‧‧‧Connecting rod structure

OD‧‧‧Operation direction

SA‧‧‧Shift shaft

Claims (17)

A bicycle operating device (10), comprising: a base component (12), which includes a proximal portion (P), a distal portion (D) opposite to the proximal portion (P), in the proximal portion (P) A gripping portion (G) between the end portion (P) and the distal portion (D), a cylinder inner diameter (40), and a rotating shaft (34) defining a first pivot (I); a mounting Structure (18), which is configured to mount the base component (12) to a handlebar (5); an operating component (32), which surrounds the first pivot (I) in a rest position and Once pivotally coupled to the base member (12) between operating positions; a piston (36), which is movably provided in the cylinder bore (40), and the piston (36) is operatively coupled to The operating member (32) moves in response to the pivotal movement of the operating member (32) from the rest position to one of the operating positions; and a link structure (46) configured to operate The component (32) is operatively coupled to the piston (36) and the shaft (34); wherein the connecting rod structure (46) includes a first connecting rod (46a) and a second connecting rod (46b); the The second link (46b) is coupled to the rotating shaft (34) of the base member (12); the operating member (32) includes a main body (32c) and an abutting member (32d), the abutting member ( 32d) is configured to abut against the second link (46b); the abutment member (32d) includes a first abutment surface (32d1) and a second abutment surface (32d2); the abutment member (32d) rotatably coupled to the main body (32c) about a fourth pivot (IV); and The distance between the fourth pivot (IV) and each of the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface (32d1, 32d2) is different. Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 1, which further includes a shift unit (24) provided on one of the base member (12) and the operating member (32). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 2, wherein the shift unit (24) is provided on the base member (12). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 2 or 3, wherein the shift unit (24) is configured to be operated by the operating component (32). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 1, wherein the second link (46b) is pivotally coupled to the shaft (34) of the base member (12) about the first pivot shaft (I). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 1, wherein the first link (46a) is configured to operatively couple the piston (36) to the second link (46b), and the second link (46b) The connecting rod (46b) is configured to operatively couple the first connecting rod (46a) to the operating member (32) to transmit an operating force from the operating member (32) to the piston (36) . Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 6, wherein the first link (46a) has a first end (46a1) and a second end (46a2) opposite to the first end (46a1) ), and the first end (46a1) of the first connecting rod (46a) is pivotally coupled to the piston (36) about a second pivot (II), the second pivot (II) and the The first pivots (I) are spaced apart. Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 7, wherein the second link (46b) has a first end (46b1) and a second end (46b2) opposite to the first end (46b1) , And the first end (46b1) of the second link (46b) is pivotally coupled to the second end (46a2) of the first link (46a) about a third pivot (III) , The third pivot (III) is spaced apart from the first pivot (I) and the second pivot (II). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 8, wherein the second end (46b2) of the second link (46b) is operatively coupled to the operating member (32). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 8, wherein the second link (46b) has an intermediate portion (46b3) between the first end (46b1) and the second end (46b2), And the middle part (46b3) is coupled to the rotating shaft (34) of the base part (12). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 1, where A first connecting rod (146a) is provided on the operating member (132), the first connecting rod (146a) is configured to operatively couple the operating member (132) to the piston (136), and the second The connecting rod (146b) is configured to operatively couple the rotating shaft (134) of the base member (12) to the first connecting rod (146a). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 11, wherein the first link (146a) has a first end (146a1) and a second end (146a2) opposite to the first end (146a1) , And the first end (146a1) of the first link (146a) is fixedly coupled to the operating member (132). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 11, wherein the second end (146a2) of the first link (146a) is pivotally coupled to the piston (136) about a second pivot (II') , The second pivot (II') is spaced apart from the first pivot (I'). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 12, wherein the second link (146b) has a first end (146b1) and a second end (146b2) opposite to the first end (146b1) , The first end (146b1) of the second link (146b) is pivotally coupled to the shaft (134) of the base member (12) about the first pivot (I'), and the first The second end (146b2) of the two link (146b) is pivotally coupled to the first link (146a) about a third pivot (III'), and the third pivot (III') is connected to the The first pivot (I') and the second pivot (II') Spaced apart. Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of claim 14, wherein the first link (146a) has an intermediate portion (146a3) located between the first end (146a1) and the second end (146a2), And the second end (146b2) of the second link (146b) is pivotally coupled to the middle portion (146a3) of the first link (146a) around the third pivot (III'). Such as the bicycle operating device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, which further includes a hydraulic oil tank (38) fluidly connected to the cylinder inner diameter (40). For example, the bicycle operating device (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, which further includes a piston adjustment structure configured to adjust an initial position of the piston (36) relative to the base member (12) .

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