CN116424474A - Bicycle operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Bicycle operating device

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a bicycle operating device.

Background

Bicycles are typically provided with one or more bicycle operating devices for operating one or more bicycle components. Examples of some of these bicycle components include a shift device (e.g., a derailleur or an internal hub), a suspension and a seat post. The bicycle operating device is typically provided on the bicycle in a position that allows the rider to easily operate the bicycle operating device (e.g., on the bicycle handlebar). Bicycle operating devices are often coupled to a bicycle component using a control cable such as a bowden type.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a bicycle operating device for a bicycle.

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

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

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a bicycle operating device is provided that basically comprises a base member, an operated member and a cover member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle portion. The base member has an interior region and an access opening in communication with the interior region. The operated member is movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operating position. The cover member is slidably coupled to the base member in a sliding direction between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening. The cover member is slidably disposed on the planar surface of the base member.

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

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

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

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the base member has a first housing portion with an access opening completely surrounded by the first housing portion and the base member has a second housing portion attached to the first housing portion.

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

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects further comprises a winding member disposed in an inner region of the base member and movable relative to the base member, wherein the cover member overlaps a portion of an inner surface of the base member when the cover member is in the second position.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the bicycle operating device according to the tenth aspect, the base member and the cover member can be manufactured to have simple shapes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the base member includes a recess provided on an inner surface of the base member, the recess receiving the extension portion with the cover member in a first position closing the access opening.

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

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects further includes a winding member disposed in an inner region of the base member and movable relative to the base member. The winding member is configured to move relative to the base member to selectively move the cable in a pulling direction and in a releasing direction opposite to the pulling direction. The winding member includes a cable attachment structure configured to attach a cable to the winding member. The operated member is operatively connected by the cord such that operation of the operated member is associated with the winding member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, the bicycle operating device can be used for operating a cable operated bicycle component.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects further includes a handlebar mounting member and a winding member. The handlebar mounting member defines a handlebar receiving opening having a handlebar axis. The winding member is disposed in an inner region of the base member and is movable relative to the base member. The winding member is rotatably mounted with respect to the base member about a rotational axis that is contained in a predetermined reference plane that is perpendicular to the handlebar axis. The operated member has a user input portion disposed on a first side of a predetermined reference plane. The access opening of the base member is disposed on a first side of the predetermined reference plane.

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

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

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

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect is configured such that the base member defines an outlet hole through which the cable passes. The outlet aperture, the attachment structure and the inlet opening are aligned in a straight line when the winding member is in a predetermined phase.

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

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

With the bicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, the user can reliably determine when the cover member reaches the first position.

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

With the bicycle operating device according to the twentieth aspect, the user can reliably determine when the cover member reaches the second position.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects is configured such that the sliding direction travels on a plane that is not parallel to the rotational axis of the winding member.

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

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the first to twentieth aspects is configured such that the sliding direction travels on a plane that is not perpendicular to the rotational axis of the winding member.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drawings

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a bicycle handlebar equipped with a bicycle operating device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1 coupled to a handlebar with the first and second operated members in a rest position and with the cover member in a first position closing the access opening;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 2, of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but with the cover member in a second position exposing the access opening;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 with the cover member in a first position closing the access opening;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 4, of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, but with the cover member in a second position exposing the access opening;

FIG. 6 is an outside elevational view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, with the user input portion of the second operated member omitted and with the cover member in a first position closing the access opening;

FIG. 7 is an outside elevational view, similar to FIG. 6, of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, but with the cover member in a second position exposing the access opening;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, with the first operated member having been moved in a first direction from a rest position to an operating position to perform a cable pulling operation;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, with the second operated member having been moved in a second direction from a rest position to a first operating position to perform a cable releasing operation;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the bicycle operating device coupled to the handlebar illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, with the second operated member having been moved in a third direction from a rest position to a second operating position to perform a cable releasing operation;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-10;

FIG. 12 is an inside elevational view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-11;

FIG. 13 is a partial exploded perspective view of selected portions of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-12;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of selected portions of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-12 with the first operated member and the second operated member in a rest position;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view, similar to FIG. 14, of selected parts of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-12 with additional parts omitted;

FIG. 16 is a partial bottom plan view of the first housing portion and the cover member of the base member of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, with the cover member in a first position that closes the access opening;

FIG. 17 is a partial bottom view, similar to FIG. 16, of the first housing portion of the base member and the cover member with the cover member in a second position exposing the access opening;

fig. 18 is a partial bottom view of the first housing portion of the base member, similar to fig. 16 and 17, with the cover member omitted;

FIG. 19 is a partial bottom plan view of the first housing portion and the cover member of the base member of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, with the cover member in a first position that closes the access opening;

FIG. 20 is a partial bottom view, similar to FIG. 19, of the first housing portion of the base member and the cover member with the cover member in a second position exposing the access opening;

fig. 21 is a partial bottom view of the first housing portion of the base member, similar to fig. 19 and 20, with the cover member omitted;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing portion of the base member and the cover member as seen along section line 22-22 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing portion and the cover member of the base member as seen along section line 23-23 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing portion of the base member and the cover member as seen along section line 24-24 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing portion of the base member and the cover member as seen along section line 25-25 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the first housing portion and the cover member of the base member as seen along section line 26-26 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 27 is an oblique cross-sectional view of the first housing portion of the base member and the cover member as seen along section line 27-27 of FIG. 20;

FIG. 28 is a first perspective view of selected portions of the cover member for the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIGS. 1-12;

FIG. 29 is a second perspective view of selected portions of the cover member shown in FIG. 28;

Fig. 30 is a third perspective view of selected portions of the cover member shown in fig. 28 and 29.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to fig. 1-5, a portion of a handlebar H of a bicycle is illustrated as being equipped with a bicycle operating device 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Here, the bicycle operating device 10 basically includes a base member 12, a operated member 14 and a cover member 16. The base member 12 is configured to be mounted to a bicycle portion. Here, the bicycle part is a handlebar H. However, the base member 12 can be configured to be mounted to other bicycle parts of a bicycle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is arranged, for example, on the right side of the handlebar H to be operated by the right hand of a rider. Alternatively, the bicycle operating device 10 can be configured as a mirror image and disposed on the left side of the handlebar H. While the handlebar H is a straight handlebar (mountain bike handlebar) in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 can be configured to be mounted to other types of handlebars, such as a drop down handlebar (road bike handlebar). The bicycle operating device 10 further includes a handlebar mounting member 18. The handlebar mounting member 18 defines a handlebar receiving opening 18a having a handlebar axis A1. The handlebar mounting member 18 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar mounting member 18 is preferably made of a strong rigid material such as a metallic material or a reinforced resin material. Here, the handlebar mounting member 18 includes a handlebar clamp 20 and a fastening bolt 22 for fastening the handlebar clamp 20 around the handlebar H. While the handlebar clamp 20 is shown as a unitary one-piece member (i.e., a non-hinged clamp), the handlebar clamp 20 may be a hinged clamp having a pair of curved jaws pivotally connected at one end and adjustably coupled at the other end by a fastening bolt 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG. 1, the bicycle operating device 10 is configured to be operatively coupled to a bicycle component BC by a cable C. Preferably, as seen in FIG. 1, the cable C is a conventional bicycle operating cable having a housing C1 that covers an inner wire C2. In other words, the cable C is a bowden cable, wherein the inner wire C2 is slidably received in the housing C1. The inner wire C2 has a cable joint or attachment barrel C3 (see fig. 7 and 12) for attaching the inner wire C2 to the bicycle operating device 10 as described below. The bicycle operating device 10 operates the bicycle component BC by selectively pulling or releasing the inner wire C2. Thus, the bicycle operating device 10 constitutes a bicycle cable operating device. As described below, the inner wire C2 of the cable C is pulled into the base member 12 and released from the base member 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle operating device 10 is configured as a shifter for controlling a gear of a shifting device (bicycle component), such as a derailleur or an internal hub. However, the bicycle operating device 10 can be used as a bicycle control device for operating other types of bicycle components (e.g., suspensions, adjustable seatpost, etc.) as needed and/or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in fig. 2 and 3, the bicycle operating device 10 has a plurality of operating positions.

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

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

The operated member 14 is movable relative to the base member 12 between a rest position and an operating position. In particular, as shown in fig. 2 and 8, the operated member 14 is pivotally mounted relative to the base member 12 to move about a pivot axis A2 in a first direction D1 between a rest position (fig. 2) and an operating position (fig. 8). As described below, the pulling operation of the inner wire C2 is performed by this pivotal movement of the operated member 14 in the first direction D1 from the rest position (fig. 2) to the operation position (fig. 8). As used herein, the term "rest position" refers to a state in which: the component (e.g., the operated member 14) remains stationary without the user having to hold the component in this state. On the other hand, as used herein, the terms "operating position" and "actuated position" refer to such temporary states: the component (e.g., the operated member 14) is temporarily held in a certain position due to an external force input to the bicycle operating device 10. Because the construction of the operated member 14 is well known, the operation and construction of the operated member 14 will not be discussed in further detail.

Similar to the operated member 14, the additional operated member 24 is movable relative to the base member 12 between a rest position and an operating position. In particular, as shown in fig. 2 and 9, the additional operated member 24 is pivotally mounted relative to the base member 12 for movement about a pivot axis A2 in a second direction D2 between a rest position (fig. 2) and an operating position (fig. 9). As described below, the releasing operation of the inner wire C2 is performed by this pivotal movement of the additional operated member 24 in the second direction D2 from the rest position (fig. 2) to the operation position (fig. 8). However, the additional operated member 24 is also pivotally mounted relative to the base member 12 to move about the pivot axis A3 in a third direction D3 between a rest position (fig. 2) and an operating position (fig. 10). The pivot axis A3 is offset from the pivot axis A2 and parallel to the pivot axis A2. As described below, the releasing operation of the inner wire C2 is performed by this pivotal movement of the additional operated member 24 in the third direction D3 from the rest position (fig. 2) to the operation position (fig. 10). Because the construction of the additional operated member 24 is well known, the operation and construction of the additional operated member 24 will not be discussed in further detail.

The base member 12 has an interior region 26 and an access opening 28 in communication with the interior region 26. Basically, the base member 12 has a first housing part 30 and a second housing part 32. The first housing part 30 has an access opening 28. The access opening 28 is completely surrounded by the first housing part 30. The second housing part 32 is attached to the first housing part 30. For example, the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 32 may be snap-fit together or fastened together by fasteners such as screws. Alternatively, the first housing portion 30 and the second housing portion 32 may be adhesively secured together.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the second housing part 32 has a cutout 36 formed at a seam where the second housing part 32 mates with the first housing part 30. The additional operated member 24 extends through the cutout 36. The cutout 36 is sized to allow the additional operated member 24 to move from the rest position of fig. 2 to the operating position of fig. 9 and 10. As shown in fig. 11, the second housing portion 32 also has an opening 38 for receiving the operated member 14 as shown in fig. 11.

As shown in fig. 11 and 12, the first housing portion 30 of the base member 12 defines an outlet aperture 40 through which the cable C passes. As shown in fig. 11, the outlet aperture 40 is configured to receive a cartridge adjuster 42. The outlet aperture 40 is aligned with the inlet opening 28 such that the cable C can be inserted straight into the inlet opening 28 and out of the aperture 40.

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

Referring now to fig. 13 to 15, the base member 12 and the internal parts of the bicycle operating device 10 will now be discussed. Basically, the base member 12 further includes an inner support that supports an inner portion of the bicycle operating device 10, with a first support plate 44, a second support plate 46 and a mounting bolt 48. A retaining nut 50 (see fig. 11) is threadably coupled to the mounting bolt 48 to connect the first support plate 44 to the second support plate 46.

The operated member 14 is also pivotally supported on the mounting bolt 48. The mounting bolt 48 also defines a pivot axis A2. The additional operated member 24 is movably coupled to the second support plate 46 for selectively pivoting about the pivot axis A2 or the pivot axis A3. The bicycle operating device 10 further includes a biasing element 54 for biasing the operated member 14 and the additional operated member 24 to their respective rest positions. The biasing element 54 has one end operatively coupled to the operated member 14 and another end operatively coupled to the additional operated member 24. As such, the operated member 14 and the additional operated member 24 are configured to have a trigger action such that each of the operated member 14 and the additional operated member 24 automatically returns to the rest position once moved from the rest position to the operation position and released.

The handlebar mounting member 18, the first and second housing portions 30 and 32 are fixed to the first and second support plates 44 and 46. Accordingly, the handlebar mounting member 18, the first housing portion 30, the second housing portion 32, the first support plate 44 and the second support plate 46 can be considered to be stationary base parts of the bicycle operating device 10. The handlebar mounting member 18 is removably attached to the first and second support plates 44 and 46. Specifically, the handlebar clamp 20 of the handlebar mounting member 18 is attached to the first support plate 44 by a first fastening bolt 56. The handlebar clamp 20 of the handlebar mounting member 18 is attached to the second support plate 46 by a second fastening bolt 58.

The bicycle operating device 10 further includes a winding member 60. The winding member 60 is disposed in the inner area 26 of the base member 12 and is movable relative to the base member 12. The winding member 60 is configured to move relative to the base member 12 to selectively move the cable in the pulling direction X1 and in the releasing direction X2 opposite to the pulling direction. Here, the winding member 60 is rotatably mounted on the mounting bolt 48. Thus, the pivot axis A2 of the mounting bolt 48 coincides with the rotational axis A2 of the winding member 60. In this manner, the winding member 60 is pivotally mounted relative to the base member 12 about the rotational axis A2. Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the rotational axis A2 is contained in a predetermined reference plane RP that is perpendicular to the handlebar axis A1. The operated member 14 has a user input 14a provided on a first side S1 of the predetermined reference plane RP. Similarly, the additional operated member 24 has a user input 24a provided on the first side S1 of the predetermined reference plane RP. The access opening 28 of the base member 12 is provided on a first side S1 of the predetermined reference plane RP. The open hole 40 is provided on the second side S2 of the predetermined reference plane RP.

As shown in fig. 14, the winding member 60 includes a wire attachment structure 60a configured to attach a wire to the winding member 60. Here, the cable attachment structure 60a includes a recess portion of the attachment cylinder C3 configured to support the inner wire C2 and a wire receiving hole through which the inner wire C2 is received. As such, the inner wire C2 is attached to the winding member 60 by the wire attachment structure 60a such that the inner wire C2 can be selectively pulled and released based on the rotation of the winding member 60. The biasing element 61 is arranged between the first support plate 44 and the winding member 60 to bias the winding member 60 in the release direction X2. The outlet aperture 40, the attachment structure 60a and the inlet opening 28 are aligned in a straight line when the winding member 60 is in a predetermined phase. Here, the predetermined phase corresponds to the winding member 60 being located at the fully released position.

The operated member 14 is operatively connected by the cord C such that operation of the operated member 14 is associated with the winding member. In particular, the bicycle operating device 10 further includes a positioning ratchet 62, a positioning pawl 64, a pulling pawl 66 and a release pawl 68. The positioning ratchet 62 and the positioning pawl 64 define a positioning mechanism of the bicycle operating device 10 that is operated in response to operation of the operated member 14 and the additional operating mechanism 24. The positioning mechanism of the bicycle operating device is well known and therefore the positioning mechanism of the bicycle operating device 10 will be described only briefly for the sake of brevity.

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

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

The pulling pawl 66 is provided on the operated member 14 such that the pulling pawl 66 moves with the movement of the operated member 14. The positioning ratchet 62 moves from one of the predetermined positions to a different one of the predetermined positions in response to the operated member 14 moving from the rest position to the operating position. More specifically, during a pulling operation, the pulling pawl 66 selectively engages one of the positioning ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet 62 to move the take-up member 60 in the pulling direction X1. When the positioning ratchet 62 moves in the pulling direction X1 during a pulling operation, the take-up member 60 pivots in the pulling direction X1 relative to the base member 12. The winding member 60 can move through one or more predetermined positions depending on the amount of movement of the operated member 14 about the pivot axis A2.

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

Referring now to fig. 14-29, the cover member 16 and the portion of the first housing portion 30 that includes the access opening 28 will be discussed in further detail. As described above, the cover member 16 is slidably disposed in the access opening 28 in the sliding direction SD between a first position (fig. 2, 4, and 6) closing the access opening 28 and a second position (fig. 3, 5, and 7) at least partially exposing the access opening 28. Here, the sliding direction SD travels on a plane that is not parallel to the rotational axis A2 of the winding member 60. Further, the sliding direction SD travels on a plane that is not perpendicular to the rotational axis A2 of the winding member 60.

As described above, the first housing portion 30 of the base member 12 defines the access opening 28. The first housing portion 30 of the base member 12 has an edge 80 defining the access opening 28. More specifically, the first housing portion 30 of the base member 12 includes a first sliding edge portion 81 and a second sliding edge portion 82. The first sliding edge portion 81 and the second sliding edge portion 82 are parallel and located on opposite sides of the access opening 28. The first housing portion 30 of the base member 12 further includes a first end edge portion 83 and a second end edge portion 84. The first end edge portion 83 and the second end edge portion 84 are transverse to the sliding direction SD. In this way, the first sliding edge portion 81, the second sliding edge portion 82, the first end edge portion 83 and the second end edge portion 84 form an edge 80 defining the access opening 28. Thus, here, the access opening 28 has a quadrilateral shape.

As shown in fig. 22 and 23, the base member 12 further includes a first recess 85 and a second recess 86. As shown in fig. 22, the first recess 85 is configured to engage the cover member 16 to retain the cover member 16 in the first position. As shown in fig. 23, the second recess 86 is configured to engage the cover member 16 to retain the cover member 16 in the second position.

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in fig. 22 and 23, the cover member 16 includes structure that generates tactile feedback when the cover member 16 is moved to the first position. Further, the cover member 16 includes structure that generates tactile feedback when the cover member 16 is moved to the second position. Here, the same structure of the cover member 16 generates tactile feedback when the cover member 16 is moved to the first position, and generates tactile feedback when the cover member 16 is moved to the second position. In particular, the cover member 16 includes a detent 95 that engages the first recess 85 of the first housing portion 30 of the base member 12 to produce tactile feedback when the cover member 16 is moved to the first position as shown in fig. 22. The latch 95 engages the second recess 86 of the first housing portion 30 of the base member 12 to produce tactile feedback when the cover member 16 is moved to the second position as shown in fig. 23.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "portion," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a bicycle in an upright, riding posture and equipped with the bicycle operating device. Accordingly, these directional terms as used to describe a bicycle operating device should be interpreted relative to a bicycle that is in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and that is equipped with the bicycle operating device. The terms "left" and "right" are used to refer to "right" when referenced from the right side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle, and "left" when referenced from the left side as viewed from the rear of the bicycle.

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

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

The term "attached to" or "attached" as used herein encompasses the following configurations: a configuration in which an element is directly fixed to another element by directly adhering the element to the other element; a configuration in which an element is indirectly fixed to another element by adhering the element to an intermediate member and then adhering the intermediate member to the other element; and an arrangement in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. an element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as "joined," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "adhered," "affixed," and derivatives thereof. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, position or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, provided that such changes do not materially affect the intended function of the various components. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown as being directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed therebetween, so long as such changes do not materially affect the intended function thereof. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be employed in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature, alone or in combination with other features, unique to the present technology is contemplated as a separate description of the further invention by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (24)

1. A bicycle operating device, the bicycle operating device comprising:

a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle portion, the base member having an interior region and an access opening in communication with the interior region;

an operated member movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operating position; and

a cover member slidably coupled to the base member in a sliding direction between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening,

the cover member has a first portion disposed outside the base member and a second portion disposed within the interior region of the base member.

2. A bicycle operating device, the bicycle operating device comprising:

a base member configured to be mounted to a bicycle portion, the base member having an interior region and an access opening in communication with the interior region;

an operated member movable relative to the base member between a rest position and an operating position; and

a cover member slidably coupled to the base member in a sliding direction between a first position closing the access opening and a second position at least partially exposing the access opening, the cover member slidably disposed on a planar surface of the base member.

3. The bicycle operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The cover member sandwiches a portion of the base member defining the access opening.

4. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein

The base member has a first housing portion with the access opening fully enclosed by the first housing portion and a second housing portion attached to the first housing portion.

5. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

a winding member disposed in the inner region of the base member and movable relative to the base member, wherein

The cover member overlaps a portion of the inner surface of the base member when the cover member is in the second position.

6. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein

At least one of the cover member and the base member is elastically deformable.

7. The bicycle operating device according to claim 6, wherein

The cover member is elastically deformable.

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

The cover member includes an outer surface having a structure that facilitates gripping of the cover member.

9. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein

The access opening includes a straight edge portion slidably engaged with the cover member.

10. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein

The access opening has a quadrilateral shape.

11. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein

The cover member includes a first recess that receives a first sliding edge portion of the base member.

12. The bicycle operating device according to claim 11, wherein

The cover member includes a second recess that receives a second sliding edge portion of the base member, the first and second sliding edge portions being parallel and on opposite sides of the access opening.

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

The base member includes a first end edge portion and a second end edge portion, the first end edge portion and the second end edge portion being transverse to the sliding direction, and

The cover member includes an extension portion provided in the inner region of the base member, the extension portion extending beyond one of the first end edge portion and the second end edge portion in the sliding direction in a state where the cover member is located at the first position.

14. The bicycle operating device according to claim 13, wherein

The base member includes a recess disposed on an inner surface of the base member that receives the extension portion with the cover member in the first position closing the access opening.

15. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising

A winding member disposed in the inner region of the base member and movable relative to the base member, wherein

The winding member being configured to move relative to the base member to selectively move the cable in a pulling direction and in a releasing direction opposite to the pulling direction,

the take-up member includes a cable attachment structure configured to attach the cable to the take-up member, an

The operated member is operatively connected by the cable such that operation of the operated member is associated with the winding member.

16. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising

A handlebar mounting member defining a handlebar receiving opening having a handlebar axis, and

a winding member disposed in the inner region of the base member and movable relative to the base member, wherein

The winding member being rotatably mounted with respect to the base member about a rotational axis, which is contained in a predetermined reference plane perpendicular to the handlebar axis,

the operated member has a user input portion provided on a first side of the predetermined reference plane, and

the access opening of the base member is disposed on the first side of the predetermined reference plane.

17. The bicycle operating device according to claim 16, wherein

The base member has an edge defining the access opening, the edge having a first point and a second point, the first point and the second point being located on opposite sides of the access opening in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the first point being spaced a first distance from the axis of rotation, the second point being spaced a second distance from the axis of rotation that is different than the first distance.

18. The bicycle operating device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein

The base member defines an outlet aperture through which the cable passes, and

the outlet aperture, the attachment structure and the inlet opening are aligned in a straight line when the winding member is in a predetermined phase.

19. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein

The cover member includes structure that generates tactile feedback when the cover member is moved to the first position.

20. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein

The cover member includes structure that generates tactile feedback when the cover member is moved to the second position.

21. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein

The sliding direction runs on a plane that is not parallel to the rotational axis of the winding member.

22. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein

The sliding direction runs on a plane that is not perpendicular to the rotational axis of the winding member.

23. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1-22, except claim 7, wherein,

The cover member is made of a plastic material.

24. The bicycle operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein

The cover member is made of a metal material.

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