阅读说明：本技术 操作装置 (Operating device ) 是由 小坂宪太朗 于 2021-05-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种操作装置基本上设置有基部、第一操作构件、第二操作构件和电操作单元。基部被构造成将操作装置安装到车把。基部限定安装轴线。第一操作构件相对于基部绕枢转轴线枢转地布置。第二操作构件相对于基部绕枢转轴线枢转地布置。第二操作构件是与第一操作构件分开的构件。电操作单元被构造成响应于第一操作构件的枢转运动而被激活。第一操作构件被布置成比电操作单元更靠近安装轴线。(An operating device is basically provided with a base, a first operating member, a second operating member and an electric operating unit. The base is configured to mount the operating device to a handlebar. The base defines a mounting axis. The first operating member is pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis. The second operating member is pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis. The second operating member is a separate member from the first operating member. The electric operating unit is configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the first operating member. The first operating member is disposed closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.)

1. An operating device comprising:

a base configured to mount the operating device to a handlebar, and the base defining a mounting axis;

a first operating member pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis;

a second operating member pivotally arranged relative to the base about the pivot axis, the second operating member being a separate member from the first operating member; and

an electric operating unit configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the first operating member, the first operating member being disposed closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.

2. The operating device according to claim 1,

the pivot axis extends obliquely relative to the mounting axis.

3. An operating device comprising:

a base configured to mount the operating device to a handlebar, and the base defining a mounting axis;

a first operating member pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis extending obliquely relative to the mounting axis;

a second operating member pivotally arranged relative to the base about the pivot axis; and

an electric operating unit configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the first operating member, the first operating member being disposed closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.

4. An operating device comprising:

a base configured to mount the operating device to a handlebar, and the base defining a mounting axis;

a first operating member pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis, the first operating member having a first user interface, the pivot axis being arranged between the first user interface and the mounting axis when viewed in a pivot axis direction parallel to the pivot axis; and

a second operating member pivotally arranged relative to the base about the pivot axis, the second operating member being a separate member from the first operating member.

5. The operating device according to claim 4,

the second operation member has a second user interface, and

the pivot axis is arranged between the second user interface and the mounting axis when seen in the pivot axis direction.

6. The operating device according to claim 4, further comprising:

an electric operating unit configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the first operating member, the first operating member being disposed closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.

7. The operating device according to claim 1,

the electric operating unit is configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the second operating member, and

the second operating member is disposed closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.

8. The operating device according to claim 1,

the first operating member has a first user interface facing an operating orientation relative to the pivot axis, and

the second operating member has a second user interface facing the operating orientation relative to the pivot axis.

9. The operating device according to claim 1,

the first operating member has a first user interface, and

the second operating member has a second user interface that is at least partially offset from the first user interface when viewed in a pivot axis direction parallel to the pivot axis.

10. The operating device according to claim 1,

the first operating member has a first user interface, and

the second operating member has a second user interface that at least partially overlaps the first user interface when viewed in a direction of pivotal movement of the first and second operating members about the pivot axis.

11. The operating device according to claim 1,

the pivot axis is determined relative to the base by:

a first imaginary line that is located in an imaginary plane parallel to the mounting axis and that defines a first angle between the mounting axis and the first imaginary line when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary plane containing the first imaginary line; and is

The first imaginary line is rotated to a rotation angle about a second imaginary line perpendicular to the first imaginary line in the imaginary plane such that the first imaginary line is set as the pivot axis.

12. The operating device according to claim 11,

the first angle is in a range of 5 degrees to 85 degrees, and

the rotation angle is in a range from plus 50 degrees to minus 50 degrees from the imaginary plane.

13. The operating device according to claim 1,

the base includes a first pivot support and a second pivot support axially spaced from the first pivot support along the pivot axis,

the first operating member is pivotally mounted to the first and second pivot support portions, and

the second operating member is pivotally mounted to the first and second pivot supports.

14. The operating device of claim 12, further comprising

A pivot pin coupled between the first and second pivot support portions.

15. The operating device according to claim 14,

the first operating member is pivotally supported on the pivot pin between the first pivot support portion and the second pivot support portion.

16. The operating device according to claim 14,

the second operating member has a first portion pivotally supported on the pivot pin between the first pivot support portion and the second pivot support portion, and a second portion pivotally supported on the pivot pin on a side of one of the first pivot support portion and the second pivot support portion that faces away from the other of the first pivot support portion and the second pivot support portion.

17. The operating device according to claim 14,

the second operating member rides on the pivot pin over the first operating member.

18. The operating device according to claim 1,

the electrical operating unit includes a first electrical switch that is activated in response to pivotal movement of the first operating member and that generates electrical power when activated.

19. The operating device of claim 18,

the electrical operating unit includes a second electrical switch that is activated in response to pivotal movement of the second operating member and that generates electrical power when activated.

20. The operating device according to claim 1,

the electrically operated unit includes a wireless communicator.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an operating device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an operating device for operating a component of a human-powered vehicle.

Background

In general, human powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) are often provided with one or more operating devices for operating one or more components. These operating means comprise operating members which operate one or more other components. Thus, the operating device is typically provided at a convenient location (e.g., on a bicycle handlebar) for a user to operate the operating device. More recently, some operating devices have been provided with one or more switches that are actuated by moving an operating member, which in turn sends a control signal to operate a component. The one or more switches may send the control signal wirelessly or via a wire. One example of an operating device for a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) is disclosed in U.S. patent No. 9,145,183.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, the present disclosure relates to various features of an operating device for a human-powered vehicle. The term "human-powered vehicle" as used herein refers to a vehicle capable of being driven by at least human driving force, but does not include vehicles that use only driving force other than human power. In particular, a vehicle that uses only an internal combustion engine as driving force is not included in a human-powered vehicle. It is generally assumed that human powered vehicles are compact, light vehicles, which sometimes do not require a license to drive on public roads. The number of wheels on a human powered vehicle is not limited. Human powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles having three or more wheels. Human powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bicycles, road bicycles, city bicycles, cargo bicycles, and recumbent bicycles, and electric-assisted bicycles (electric bicycles).

In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an operating device basically comprising a base, a first operating member, a second operating member and an electric operating unit. The base is configured to mount the operating device to a handlebar. The base defines a mounting axis. The first operating member is pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis. The second operating member is pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis. The second operating member is a separate member from the first operating member. The electric operating unit is configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the first operating member. The first operating member is disposed closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.

With the operating device according to the first aspect, the first operating member and the second operating member can be easily operated.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the first aspect is configured such that the pivot axis extends obliquely with respect to the mounting axis.

With the operating device according to the second aspect, the first operating member and the second operating member can be positioned for easy operation.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an operating device basically comprising a base, a first operating member, a second operating member and an electric operating unit. The base is configured to mount the operating device to a handlebar. The base defines a mounting axis. The first operating member is pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis extending obliquely relative to the mounting axis. The second operating member is pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis. The electric operating unit is configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the first operating member. The first operating member is disposed closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.

With the operating device according to the third aspect, the first operating member and the second operating member can be easily operated to activate the electric operating unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an operating device that basically comprises a base, a first operating member and a second operating member. The base is configured to mount the operating device to a handlebar. The base defines a mounting axis. The first operating member is pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis. The first operating member has a first user interface. The pivot axis is arranged between the first user interface and the mounting axis when seen in a pivot axis direction parallel to the pivot axis. The second operating member is pivotally arranged relative to the base about a pivot axis. The second operating member is a separate member from the first operating member.

With the operating device according to the fourth aspect, the first operating member and the second operating member can be easily operated to activate the electric operating unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the second operating member has a second user interface, and the pivot axis is arranged between the second user interface and the mounting axis when viewed in the pivot axis direction.

With the operating device according to the fifth aspect, the first operating member and the second operating member can be easily operated.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fourth or fifth aspect further includes an electric operating unit configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the first operating member, the first operating member being arranged closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.

With the operating device according to the sixth aspect, the first operating member can be easily operated.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects and the sixth aspect is configured such that the electric operating unit is configured to be activated in response to a pivotal movement of the second operating member, and the second operating member is arranged closer to the mounting axis than the electric operating unit.

With the operating device according to the seventh aspect, the second operating member can be easily operated.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the first operating member has a first user interface facing in an operating orientation with respect to the pivot axis, and the second operating member has a second user interface facing in an operating orientation with respect to the pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the eighth aspect, the first operating member and the second operating member can be easily operated.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is configured such that the first operating member has a first user interface, and the second operating member has a second user interface that is at least partially offset from the first user interface when viewed in a pivot axis direction parallel to the pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the ninth aspect, the first operating member and the second operating member can be easily operated.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the first operating member has a first user interface, and the second operating member has a second user interface at least partially overlapping the first user interface when viewed in a direction of pivotal movement of the first operating member and the second operating member about the pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the tenth aspect, a compact arrangement of the first operating member and the second operating member can be provided.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects and the sixth aspect is configured such that the pivot axis is determined with respect to the base by: a first imaginary line that is located in an imaginary plane parallel to the mounting axis and that defines a first angle between the mounting axis and the first imaginary line when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary plane containing the first imaginary line; and the first imaginary line is rotated to a rotation angle about a second imaginary line perpendicular to the first imaginary line in the imaginary plane such that the first imaginary line is set as the pivot axis.

With the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, the first operating member can be operated more appropriately.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the first angle is in a range of 5 degrees to 85 degrees, and the rotation angle is in a range of positive 50 degrees to negative 50 degrees from the imaginary plane.

With the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, the first operating member can be operated more appropriately.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured such that the base includes a first pivot support and a second pivot support axially spaced from the first pivot support along the pivot axis, the first operating member is pivotally mounted to the first pivot support and the second pivot support, and the second operating member is pivotally mounted to the first pivot support and the second pivot support.

With the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, a simple structure for pivotally mounting the first operating member and the second operating member to the base can be provided.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the twelfth aspect further comprises a pivot pin coupled between the first and second pivotally supporting parts.

With the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to further provide a simple structure for pivotally mounting the first operating member and the second operating member to the base.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the first operating member is pivotally supported on the pivot pin between the first pivot support and the second pivot support.

With the operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, the first operating member can be pivotally supported with the pivot pin.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the fourteenth or fifteenth aspect is configured such that the second operating member has a first portion pivotally supported on the pivot pin between the first pivot support and the second pivot support, and a second portion pivotally supported on the pivot pin on a side of one of the first pivot support and the second pivot support that faces away from the other of the first pivot support and the second pivot support.

With the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, the second operating member can be pivotally supported with the pivot pin.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects is configured such that the second operating member straddles the first operating member on the pivot pin.

With the operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, the second operating member can be compactly arranged with respect to the first operating member.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects is configured such that the electric operating unit includes a first electric switch that is activated in response to a pivotal movement of the first operating member and that generates electric power when activated.

With the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to easily generate the control signal and generate the electric power in response to the activation of the first electric switch.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that the electric operating unit includes a second electric switch that is activated in response to a pivotal movement of the second operating member and that generates electric power when activated.

With the operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to easily generate the control signal and generate electric power in response to activation of the second electric switch.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects and the sixth to nineteenth aspects is configured such that the electric operating unit includes a wireless communicator.

With the operating device according to the twentieth aspect, the electric operating unit can communicate with other components without requiring a connection line.

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

Drawings

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

FIG. 1 is a side view of a human-powered vehicle including an operating device for the human-powered vehicle in accordance with one illustrated embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system including an operating device of the human-powered vehicle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a handlebar including the operating device illustrated in FIG. 1 and an additional operating device in the form of a hydraulic brake operating device with first and second operating members of the operating device in an inoperative or rest position;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the portion of the handlebar including the operating device and additional operating devices illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the portion of the handlebar including the operating device and additional operating devices illustrated in FIGS. 2-4;

FIG. 6 is a rearward side elevational view of the portion of the handlebar including the operating device and the additional operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2-5;

FIG. 7 is a laterally outer end view of the portion of the handlebar including the operating device and the additional operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2-6;

FIG. 8 is a laterally inner end view of the portion of the handlebar including the operating device and additional operating devices illustrated in FIGS. 2-7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the operating device shown in FIGS. 2-8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device shown in FIGS. 2-9;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2-9 as taken along section line 11-11 of FIG. 5 with the first and second operating members of the operating device in a first position corresponding to an inoperative or resting position;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in FIGS. 2-9 similar to FIG. 11, but wherein the first operating member has been moved by the user from a first position to an intermediate position such that the output is moved to activate the first switch;

fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in fig. 2-9 similar to fig. 11 and 12, but with the first operating member moved further by the user from the intermediate position in fig. 12 so that the output portion begins to return to its inoperative or resting position;

fig. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in fig. 2 to 9 similar to fig. 11 to 13, but with the first operating member moved further by the user from the position in fig. 13 so that the output portion returns to its inoperative or rest position;

fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in fig. 2-9 similar to fig. 11-14, but wherein the first operating member has been moved further from the position in fig. 14 to a second position by the user such that the first switch is activated a second time by the output in response to progressive movement of the first operating member from the first position to the second position of fig. 11;

fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in fig. 2-9 similar to fig. 11-15, but wherein the first operating member has been moved by the user slightly further from the second position in fig. 15 to a position beyond the second position such that the follower can now be rotated by the output to deactivate the first switch;

fig. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating device illustrated in fig. 2-9 similar to fig. 11-16, but wherein the first operating member is returned toward an inoperative or resting position after the first switch has been activated twice by progressive movement of the first operating member from the first position of fig. 11 to the second position of fig. 15; and

fig. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating device shown in fig. 2-9 similar to fig. 11-17, but wherein the second operating member has been moved by a user from a first position to a second position such that the second switch is activated.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of human powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an operating device 10 for a human-powered vehicle V is provided according to one illustrated embodiment. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 10 is an electrically operated device provided to the human-powered vehicle V for operating at least one vehicle component in response to user input. The human powered vehicle V is an electrically assisted bicycle (electric bicycle).

Referring now to fig. 2, the operating device 10 is part of a control system 12 of a human-powered vehicle V. Because the operating device 10 is used by a rider to operate one or more components of the human-powered vehicle V, the operating device 10 may also be referred to as a user-operable input device. Here, the control system 12 comprises, in addition to the operating device 10, a control unit CU, a battery BT and one or more electrically operated devices ED1 and ED 2. Although the control system 12 is shown with two electrically operated devices ED1 and ED2, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the control system 12 is not limited to having two electrically operated devices. Rather, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the control system 12 may have only one electrically operated device, or two or more electrically operated devices operated by the operating device 10. Here, the operating device 10 is configured to wirelessly transmit control signals with the control unit CU to operate one or both of the electrically operated devices ED1 and ED 2. Alternatively, the operating device 10 may be connected to the control unit CU by an electric wire to transmit the control signal with the control unit CU via the electric wire.

Here, the electrically operated device ED1 is shown as communicating with the control unit CU using wired communication, while the electrically operated device ED2 is shown as communicating with the control unit CU using wireless communication. It is apparent from the present disclosure that the electrically operated devices ED1 and ED2 of the control system 12 may be configured to communicate with the control unit CU using wired or wireless communication. Here, for example, electrically operated device ED1 may be electrically adjustable seat post SP, while electrically operated device ED2 may be electrically powered rear derailleur RD.

Here, in the embodiment shown, the control unit CU comprises an electronic controller 14. The electronic controller 14 is formed from one or more semiconductor chips mounted on a circuit board. The term "electronic controller" as used herein refers to hardware that executes a software program and does not include a human. The electronic controller 14 is in communication with the operator device 10 such that output signals from the operator device 10 are received by the electronic controller 14 as needed and/or desired. The electronic controller 14 may communicate with the operator device 10 via a wireless connection or a wired connection. Here, for example, the electronic controller 14 is in wireless communication with the operation device 10. In the case of wireless connection, the operation device 10 may be provided with a battery or a power generation element (e.g., a piezoelectric element or the like), as described below. The electronic controller 14 is configured to control the electrically operated devices ED1 and ED2 in response to inputs from the operating device 10, other operating devices, and/or other sensors that indicate a particular riding state. Although the electronic controller 14 is shown as part of the control unit CU, it is apparent from the present disclosure that the electronic controller 14 may be provided to the operation device 10.

In any event, the electronic controller 14 is preferably a microcomputer that includes at least one processor 14A (i.e., a central processing unit) and at least one memory 14B (i.e., a computer storage device). Processor 14A may be one or more integrated circuits having firmware for causing the circuits to perform the activities described herein. Memory 14B is any computer storage device or any non-transitory computer readable medium, with the sole exception of a transitory propagating signal. For example, the memory 14B may include a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory, and may include a ROM (read only memory) device, a RAM (random access memory) device, a hard disk, a flash drive, and the like.

Furthermore, here, in the embodiment shown, the control unit CU comprises a wireless communicator 16. The wireless communicator 16 wirelessly communicates with the operating device 10 such that output signals from the operating device 10 are received by the wireless communicator 16 and transmitted to the electronic controller 14. Also, the wireless communicator 16 is configured to wirelessly transmit a control signal to an electrically operated device (e.g., the electrically operated device ED 2) in response to an operation of the operation device 10. The wireless communication signals of the wireless communicator 16 may be Radio Frequency (RF) signals, ultra-wideband communication signals or Bluetooth ® communications or any other type of signals suitable for short range wireless communication as understood in the bicycle art. Here, the wireless communicator 16 may be a one-way wireless communication device such as a receiver, or a two-way wireless communication device such as a transceiver.

Referring now to fig. 3-10, the operating device 10 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating device 10 basically comprises a base 18. The operating device 10 further comprises an electric operating unit 20. An electric operating unit 20 is provided to the base 18. The base 18 is configured to mount the operating device 10 to a handlebar H of a human powered vehicle V. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 10 also includes a handlebar clamp 22 coupled to the base 18. The handlebar clamp 22 is configured to be removable and attachable with respect to the base 18. Here, the handlebar clamp 22 is part of an additional operating device 24, which in the illustrated embodiment, the additional operating device 24 is a hydraulic brake operating device.

Since the additional operating device 24 has a relatively conventional function in the bicycle field, only the handlebar clamp 22 of the additional operating device 24 will be discussed herein. The handlebar clamp 22 supports both the operating device 10 and the additional operating device 24 on a handlebar H, which in the illustrated embodiment is a bicycle handlebar. Alternatively, the handlebar clamp 22 may be integrated into the base 18 of the operating device 10. Furthermore, the additional operating device 24 may be omitted from the clamp 22, regardless of the manner of attachment between the base 18 and the clamp 22.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the base 18 is attached to the handlebar clamp 22 by suitable fasteners (e.g., a fixing bolt 26 and a fixing nut 28). In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in fig. 7 and 8, the handlebar clamp 22 includes a contact portion 30, a first clamp portion 31, a second clamp portion 32, and a fixing fastener 33. As shown in fig. 3, the first clamp portion 31 has an opening 31a for receiving the fixing nut 28, and the base portion 18 has an opening 34 for receiving the fixing bolt 26. In this way, the base portion 18 is detachable and attachable to the first clamp portion 31 of the handlebar clamp 22.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 7, the contact portion 30 is provided on the base portion 24a of the additional operating device 24 and is configured to contact the handlebar H in an attached state in which the handlebar clamp 22 is attached to the handlebar H. The first clamp part 31 is hingedly connected to the contact portion 30 (fig. 3). The second clamp part 32 is hingedly connected to the first clamp part 31. Thus, the first clamp portion 31 has a first end hingedly connected to the base portion 18 by a pivot pin 36 and a second end hingedly connected to the second clamp portion 32 by a pivot pin 38. The second clamp portion 32 has a first end with an opening 32a (fig. 8) for receiving a securing fastener 33 and a second end hingedly connected to the first clamp portion 31 by a pivot pin 38. The fixing fastener 33 is screwed to the contact portion 30 of the base portion 24a of the additional operating device 24. Handlebar clamp 22 defines a handlebar receiving area having a central fixed axis X1. In the attached state, the central fixed axis X1 coincides with the central axis of the handlebar H.

Referring to fig. 3, the base 18 defines a mounting axis a 1. Preferably, the base portion 18 has a curved mounting surface 40 that contacts a corresponding curved portion 31b of the first clamp portion 31. The curved portion 31b of the first clamp portion 31 has a center of curvature that substantially corresponds to the center fixing axis X1 of the handlebar clamp 22. Thus, the curved mounting surface 40 defines a mounting axis A1 that coincides with the central fixed axis X1 of the handlebar clamp 22. Alternatively, the mounting axis a1 of the operating device 10 may be offset from the center fixed axis X1 of the handlebar clamp 22. Also, the opening 31a extends through the curved portion 31b of the first clamp portion 31 and is elongated in the circumferential direction about the central fixing axis X1 of the handlebar clamp 22. In this manner, the operating device 10 can be adjusted relative to the handlebar clamp 22 about the mounting axis A1.

The operating device 10 further includes a first operating member 41. Preferably, the operating device 10 further comprises a second operating member 42. The second operating member 42 is a member separate from the first operating member 41. In other words, the first and second operating members 41 and 42 can be operated independently of each other. Also, depending on how the operating device 10 is to be used, the second operating member 42 may be omitted as needed and/or desired. The first operating member 41 may be used to operate one of the electrically operated devices, while the second operating member 42 may be used to operate the other electrically operated device. Alternatively, the first and second operating members 41 and 42 may be used for the same electrically operated device.

Preferably, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the first operating member 41 has a first user interface 44. The first user interface 44 is a portion of the first operating member 41 designed to be used by a user to operate the first operating member 41. The first user interface 44 is facing an operative orientation relative to the pivot axis P1. As shown in fig. 11, when in the pivot axis direction D1 (by the symbol in fig. 11 to 18) parallel to the pivot axis P1 ""indicated"), the pivot axis P1 is disposed between the first user interface 44 and the mounting axis a 1.Likewise, the second operating member 42 has a second user interface 46. The second user interface 46 is a portion of the second operating member 42 designed to be used by a user to operate the second operating member 42. The second user interface 46 is in an operative orientation relative to the pivot axis P1. Thus, the first and second user interfaces 44, 46 are oriented in the same direction relative to the pivot axis P1. As shown in fig. 5 and 11, the pivot axis P1 is disposed between the second user interface 46 and the mounting axis a1 when viewed in the pivot axis direction D1. As shown in fig. 3, the second user interface 46 is at least partially offset from the first user interface 44 when viewed in the pivot axis direction D1. As seen in fig. 5 and 11, the second user interface 46 at least partially overlaps the first user interface 44 when viewed in the direction D2 of pivotal movement of the first and second operating members 41 and 42 about the pivot axis P1.

Here, the electric operating unit 20 is configured to be activated in response to the pivotal movement of the first operating member 41. The first operating member 41 is movably arranged with respect to the base 18 from a first position to a second position. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first position of the first operating member 41 corresponds to the non-operated position of the first operating member 41, and the second position corresponds to the operated position of the first operating member 41. The first operating member 41 moves from the first (non-operating) position toward the second position to activate the electric operating unit 20, as discussed later.

Also, the electric operating unit 20 is configured to be activated in response to the pivotal movement of the second operating member 42. In other words, the second operating member 42 is also movably arranged relative to the base 18 from a first (non-operating) position to a second (operating) position. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first and second operating members 41 and 42 are pivotally mounted to the base 18. That is, the first operating member 41 is pivotally arranged relative to the base 18 about the pivot axis P1. The pivot axis P1 constitutes a first pivot axis. Here, the first operating member 41 and the second operating member 42 are coaxially mounted to the base 18. Thus, the second operating member 42 is pivotally arranged relative to the base 18 about the pivot axis P1.

More specifically, the base 18 includes a first pivot support 51 and a second pivot support 52, the second pivot support 52 being axially spaced from the first pivot support 51 along a pivot axis P1. As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the pivot axis P1 extends obliquely relative to the mounting axis a 1. In other words, the pivot axis P1 and the mounting axis a1 do not lie in a single plane. The first operating member 41 is pivotally mounted to the first and second pivot support portions 51 and 52. Also, the second operating member 42 is pivotally mounted to the first and second pivot support portions 51 and 52. With this arrangement, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, that is, in the top view and the bottom view, the first operating member 41 is arranged closer to the mounting axis a1 than the electric operating unit 20. Also, preferably, the second operating member 42 is disposed closer to the mounting axis a1 than the electric operating unit 20 in top and bottom views.

Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 10 further includes a pivot pin 53 (fig. 8) coupled between the first and second pivot support portions 51, 52. The pivot pin 53 defines a pivot axis P1. The first operating member 41 is pivotally supported on the pivot pin 53 between the first and second pivotally supporting portions 51 and 52. Also, the second operating member 42 is pivotally supported on the pivot pin 53 between the first and second pivotally supporting portions 51 and 52. In particular, as shown in fig. 5, the second operating member 42 has a first portion 42a and a second portion 42 b. The first portion 42a is pivotally supported on the pivot pin 53 between the first and second pivot-supporting portions 51 and 52. The second portion 42b is pivotally supported on the pivot pin 53 on a side of one of the first pivot support portion 51 and the second pivot support portion 52 that faces away from the other of the first pivot support portion 51 and the second pivot support portion 52. Thus, the second operating member 42 rides over the first operating member 41 on the pivot pin 53.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 11, the electric operating unit 20 of the operating device 10 further includes a first electric switch 54. The first electric switch 54 includes a movable portion 54a, and the movable portion 54a is pressed in response to the pivotal movement of the first operating member 41. The movable portion 54a when pressed (by a symbol in fig. 5) ""indicate") moves in the operating direction OD. In this way, the electric operating unit 20 includes the movable portion 54a configured to move in the operating direction OD in response to the pivotal movement of the first operating member 41.

The first electrical switch 54 is activated in response to pivotal movement of the first operating member 41 and generates electrical power when activated. A first electrical switch 54 is provided to the base 18. As seen in fig. 11-15, the first operating member 41 is configured to activate the first electrical switch 54 at least two different times in response to progressive movement of the first operating member 41 from the first position toward the second position. Further, as shown in fig. 11 and 12, the first operating member 41 is further configured to activate the first electrical switch 54 only once in response to progressive movement of the first operating member 41 from the first position toward an intermediate position between the first position and the second position along the path of travel of the first operating member 41.

As shown in fig. 18, the electric operating unit 20 further includes a second electric switch 56. The second electrical switch 56 is aligned with the first electrical switch 54 along the pivot axis P1. The second electrical switch 56 includes a movable portion 56a, and the movable portion 56a is pressed in response to the pivotal movement of the second operating member 42. The movable portion 56a moves in the operation direction OD when pressed. In this way, the electric operating unit 20 includes the movable portion 56a configured to move in the operating direction OD in response to the pivotal movement of the second operating member 42. The second electrical switch 56 is activated in response to pivotal movement of the second operating member 42 and generates electrical power when activated. The second operating member 42 is movably arranged relative to the base 18. As described above, the second operating member 42 is a member separate from the first operating member 41. The second electrical switch 56 is activated in response to progressive movement of the second operating member 42. Here, the second operating member 42 is configured to not activate the first electrical switch 54 in response to progressive movement of the second operating member 42.

As described above, the pivot axis P1 of the first and second operating members 41 and 42 extends obliquely relative to the mounting axis a1 of the base 18. The orientation of pivot axis P1 may be determined from fig. 5 and 6. Specifically, the pivot axis P1 is determined by operating the first imaginary line L1 with respect to the second imaginary line L2 and the imaginary plane PL (see fig. 6). More specifically, the first imaginary line L1 lies in an imaginary plane PL parallel to the mounting axis a1, and defines a first angle θ 1 between the mounting axis a1 and the first imaginary line PL when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary plane PL containing the first imaginary line L1. Thus, the first angle θ 1 of the pivot axis P1 is determined. Then, the first imaginary line L1 is rotated to the rotation angle θ 2 about the second imaginary line L2 such that the first imaginary line L1 is set as the pivot axis P1, and the second imaginary line L2 is perpendicular to the first imaginary line L1 in the imaginary plane PL. The directional rotation angle θ 2 causes the first and second operating members 41 and 42 to tilt (pivot) upward toward the face of the rider. The first angle θ 1 is in a range of 5 degrees to 85 degrees. Preferably, the first angle θ 1 is in the range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees. The rotation angle θ 2 is in the range from plus 50 degrees to minus 50 degrees from the imaginary plane PL. Preferably, the second angle θ 2 is in the range of positive 30 degrees to negative 20 degrees. Here, "positive" means rotation from the imaginary plane PL toward the rear-upper direction, and "negative" means rotation from the imaginary plane PL toward the front-upper direction. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first angle θ 1 is 60 degrees, and the rotation angle θ 2 is positive 20 ° from the imaginary plane PL.

The operating device 10 also includes a wireless communicator 60 coupled to the first electrical switch 54. The wireless communicator 60 is also coupled to the second electrical switch 56. Here, the electric operation unit 20 includes a wireless communicator 60 (fig. 2). Alternatively, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the wireless communicator 60 can be located remotely from the electrically operated unit 20 as needed and/or desired. The wireless communicator 60 is configured to output wireless control signals from the first and second electrical switches 54, 56 to the wireless communicator 16 of the control unit CU in order to operate the components of the human-powered vehicle V. Alternatively, it is apparent from the present disclosure that the first and second electrical switches 54, 56 may communicate with the control unit CU or some other component using electrical wires.

Preferably, the operating device 10 also includes a power source for providing power to the first electrical switch 54, the second electrical switch 56 and the wireless communicator 60. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 2 and 11, the operating device 10 further includes a first power generating element 62 coupled to the first electrical switch 54 to generate electrical power when the first electrical switch 54 is activated. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electric power generating element 62 is a piezoelectric element provided in the first electric switch 54 such that the first electric power generating element 62 generates electric power in response to movement of the movable portion 54a in the operating direction OD. Also, preferably, as shown in fig. 2 and 18, the operating device 10 further includes a second power generating element 64 coupled to the second electrical switch 56 to generate electrical power when the second electrical switch 56 is activated. In the illustrated embodiment, the second power generating element 64 is a piezoelectric element provided in the second electrical switch 56 such that the second power generating element 64 generates power in response to movement of the movable portion 56a in the operating direction OD. As such, the first power generating element 62 provides power to the first electrical switch 54 and the wireless communicator 60 when the first electrical switch 54 is activated. On the other hand, the second power generating element 64 provides power to the second electrical switch 56 and the wireless communicator 60 when the second electrical switch 56 is activated. Alternatively, the operating device 10 may be provided with some other suitable power source, such as a rechargeable battery or a replaceable battery.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in fig. 9-11, the operating device 10 further includes an output 66 movably coupled to the base 18. In particular, the output portion 66 is configured to pivot in response to the pivotal movement of the first operating member 41. In particular, the output 66 is moved by the first operating member 41 to activate the first electrical switch 54. The output 66 activates the first electrical switch 54 either once when the first operating member 41 is only partially operated or twice when the first operating member 41 is fully operated. The output 66 includes a rocker 66a and a pivot pin 66 b. The rocker 66a is pivotally disposed relative to the base 18 about a second pivot axis P2, the second pivot axis P2 being offset from the first pivot axis P1. The second pivot axis P2 is defined by the pivot pin 66 b. The second pivot axis P2 is parallel to the first pivot axis P1. Here, the rocker 66a is pivotally mounted on the base 18 by a pivot pin 66 b. The output 66 is biased away from the first electrical switch 54. In particular, the biasing element 68 is disposed between the first electrical switch 54 and the rocker 66a of the output 66. The biasing element 68 is a helical compression spring and exerts an urging force on the rocker 66a of the output 66 to bias the output 66 away from the first electrical switch 54.

Here, as shown in fig. 10 and 11, the first operating member 41 includes a first operating body 70 and a reciprocating mechanism 72. The first operating body 70 is pivotally arranged relative to the base 18 about a pivot axis P1 (i.e., a first pivot axis). In particular, the first operating body 70 is pivotally arranged relative to the base 18 about a pivot axis P1 from a first position towards a second position to activate the electrically operated unit 20. The motion of the first operating body 70 is transmitted to the output portion 66 through the reciprocating mechanism 72. In particular, the reciprocating mechanism 72 connects the first operating body 70 to the output portion 66 such that the output portion 66 repeatedly moves in response to progressive movement of the first operating member 41 from the first position toward the second position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electric operating unit 20 is activated twice when the first operating body 70 is moved in a progressive movement from the first position toward the second position. As used herein, the term "progressive motion" refers to motion in one direction along an operating path without reversing direction, and includes continuous motion along the operating path and intermittent motion along the operating path. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, although the electric operation unit 20 is activated only twice when the first operation body 70 is moved in a progressive movement from the first position toward the second position, the operation device 10 is not limited to such an arrangement. In contrast, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the first operating member 41 may be configured to activate the electrically operated unit 20 more than twice in a progressive movement from the first position toward the second position.

The first operating member 41 is biased away from the first electrical switch 54 toward the first position. In particular, the operating device 10 further includes a biasing element 74 that exerts an urging force on the first operating member 41 to bias the first operating member 41 away from the first electrical switch 54. Here, the biasing element 74 is a coil tension spring having a first end hooked on the pivot pin 66b and a second end hooked on the first operating body 70. Thus, the first operating body 70 is urged to the first position. In the first position, the first operating body 70 is urged against the pivot pin 66b by the biasing element 74 such that the first operating body 70 remains stationary until operated by a user.

Similarly, as seen in fig. 9 and 10, the second operating member 42 is biased away from the second electrical switch 56. In particular, the operating device 10 further includes a biasing element 76 that exerts an urging force on the second operating member 42 to bias the second operating member 42 away from the second electrical switch 56. Here, the biasing element 76 is a helical compression spring positioned between the second operating member 42 and the second electrical switch 56. Thus, the second operating member 42 is urged to the first position. In the first position, the second operating member 42 is urged against the pivot pin 66b by the biasing element 76 such that the second operating member 42 remains stationary until operated by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 42a of the second operating member 42 has a recess 42c with the pivot pin 66b of the rocker 66a disposed in the recess 42 c.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, the reciprocating mechanism 72 includes a cam 80 provided to the first operating body 70 and a follower 82 provided to the output portion 66. In particular, the cam 80 is immovably provided to the first operating body 70. Here, the cam 80 is immovably attached to the first operating body 70 by the pivot pin 53 and the fixing pin 83. On the other hand, the follower 82 is pivotally provided on the output portion 66. In response to progressive movement of the first operating member 41 from the first position toward the second position, the cam 80 contacts the follower 82 and moves the follower 82 to move the output 66 such that the output 66 activates the first electrical switch 54.

At least one of the cam 80 and the follower 82 is biased against the other of the cam 80 and the follower 82 so as to contact each other. Here, a biasing element 84 is provided for urging the follower 82 into contact with the cam 80. In particular, the follower 82 is pivotally mounted on the rocker 66a by a pivot pin 86. The biasing element 84 is a torsion spring with its coiled portion disposed on a pivot pin 86, a first free end engaged with a pin 88 of the rocker 66a and a second free end engaged with the follower 82. In this way, the follower 82 is in contact with the cam 80 via the biasing element 84. The pin 88 also acts as an abutment that is disposed in a recess 90 of the follower 82 to limit the range of pivotal movement of the follower 82 about the pivot pin 86. In other words, the first operating member 41 further includes a limiting structure 92 (e.g., the pin 88 and the recess 90) configured to limit the range of pivotal movement of the follower 82 relative to the output 66. In general, limiting structure 92 includes a protrusion (e.g., pin 88) provided to one of output 66 and follower 82 and a recess (e.g., recess 90) provided to the other of output 66 and follower 82. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion corresponds to a pin 88 provided to the output portion 66, and the recess corresponds to a recess 90 provided to the follower 82.

As shown in fig. 11 to 17, the follower 82 has an abutting portion 82a, and the abutting portion 82a rides along an outer peripheral edge (ride) of the cam 80 when the cam moves together with the first operating body 70 in response to the operation of the first operating member 41. On the other hand, the outer peripheral edge of the cam 80 includes a first ridge 80a, a first valley 80b, and a second ridge 80 c. During operation of the first operating member 41 in the pivotal movement direction D2, the cam 80 rotates with the first operating body 70, which causes the abutment 82a of the follower 82 to first engage the first ridge 80a of the cam 80. The engagement of the abutment 82a of the follower 82 with the first ridge 80a of the cam 80 causes the rocker 66a to pivot toward the first electrical switch 54 such that the first electrical switch 54 is depressed (i.e., activated) in the operating direction OD. Then, further progressive movement of the first operating member 41 in the pivotal movement direction D2 causes the abutment 82a of the follower 82 to then engage with the first valley 80b of the cam 80. The engagement of the abutment 82a of the follower 82 with the first valley 80b of the cam 80 causes the rocker 66a to pivot away from the first electrical switch 54 such that the first electrical switch 54 is released (i.e., deactivated).

Then, further progressive movement of the first operating member 41 causes the abutment 82a of the follower 82 to then engage the second ridge 80c of the cam 80. The engagement of the abutment 82a of the follower 82 with the second ridge 80c of the cam 80 causes the rocker 66a to pivot again toward the first electrical switch 54 such that the first electrical switch 54 is depressed (i.e., activated) a second time in the operating direction OD.

Fig. 11 to 18 show that the first operating member 41 of the operating device 10 is operated by the user to activate the electric operating unit 20 twice when the first operating body 70 is moved in a progressive movement from the first position (fig. 11) toward the second position (fig. 15). As shown in fig. 11, the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 has been moved by the user from the first position (fig. 11) to the intermediate position such that the rocker 66a of the output 66 is moved to activate the first electrical switch 54. More specifically, the cam 80 rotates with the first operating body 70, which causes the abutment 82a of the follower 82 to engage the first ridge 80a of the cam 80. The engagement of the abutment 82a of the follower 82 with the first ridge 80a of the cam 80 causes the rocker 66a of the output 66 to pivot toward the first electrical switch 54 such that the first electrical switch 54 is depressed (i.e., activated). If the user wants to activate the first electrical switch 54 only once, the user simply releases the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 so that the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 returns to the first position (fig. 11). On the other hand, if the user wants to activate the first electrical switch 54 twice, the user continues to move the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 in the pivotal movement direction D2 without moving the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 in the direction opposite to the pivotal movement direction D2, as shown in fig. 13 and 14.

Referring to fig. 13 and 14, the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 has been moved further by the user from the intermediate position in fig. 12, so that the rocker 66a of the output portion 66 starts to return to its non-operated or rest position. In particular, further progressive movement of the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 causes the abutment 82a of the follower 82 to engage the first valley 80b of the cam 80. Engagement of the abutment 82a of the follower 82 with the first valley 80b of the cam 80 causes the rocker 66a of the output 66 to pivot away from the first electrical switch 54 such that the first electrical switch 54 is released (i.e., deactivated).

As shown in fig. 15, the user further moves the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 from the position in fig. 14 to the second position, so that the rocker 66a of the output portion 66 moves toward the first electric switch 54. In particular, such further progressive movement of the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 in the pivotal movement direction D2 causes the abutment 82a of the follower 82 to then engage the second ridge 80c of the cam 80. The engagement of the abutment 82a of the follower 82 with the second ridge 80c of the cam 80 causes the rocker 66a to pivot again toward the first electrical switch 54 such that the first electrical switch 54 is depressed (i.e., activated) a second time.

As shown in fig. 16, the user moves the first operating body 70 of the first operating member 41 slightly further from the position in fig. 15 to a position beyond the second position of fig. 15 so that the follower 82 can now be rotated by the output 66 to deactivate the first electrical switch 54. Fig. 17 shows the first operating member 41 returning towards the first position (fig. 11) after the first electrical switch 54 has been activated twice by a progressive movement of the first operating member 41 from the first position of fig. 11 to the second position of fig. 15.

Referring to fig. 18, operation of the second operating member 42 is illustrated to activate the second electrical switch 56 without activating the first electrical switch 54. Here, the user pivots the second operating member 42 from the first position (fig. 11) toward the second position (fig. 18) such that the second electrical switch 56 is activated.

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. Also, unless otherwise specified, the terms "part," "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 "side facing the frame," "side not facing the frame," "forward," "rearward," "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top," "bottom," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," "vertical," and "lateral" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of the human-powered vehicle art (e.g., bicycle) in an upright, riding position and equipped with an operating device. Thus, when used to describe an operating device, these directional terms should be understood with respect to the field of human powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles), which are in an upright, riding position on a horizontal surface and which are equipped with the operating device. The terms "left" and "right" are used to denote "right" as referenced from the right when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle) and "left" as referenced from the left when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle field (e.g., a bicycle).

As used in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of" refers to "one or more" of the desired selections. As one example, as used in this disclosure, at least one of the phrases "means" only one single choice "or" both of the two choices "if the number of their choices is two. As another example, at least one of the phrases "as used in this disclosure means" only one single choice "or" any combination of equal or more than two choices "if the number of its choices is equal to or more than three.

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

As used herein, the terms "attached" or "attaching" encompass configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, configurations in which an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element, and configurations in which an element is integral with (i.e., an element is substantially a part of) another element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, such as "coupled," "connected," "coupled," "mounted," "coupled," "secured," and derivatives thereof. Finally, as used herein, terms of degree, such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately", refer to an 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 otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, so long as such changes do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless otherwise specified, components shown as being directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them so long as the changes do not materially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. Not all advantages may be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.