USPatent applicationPatented

Bicycle operating device

Granted 16 Jul 2019 · 2 office actions

Assignee: Shimano, Inc.

Law firm: Law firm · Log in to unlock

Attorney: Attorney · Log in to unlock

Inventors: Kentaro Miyazaki, Kazutaka Fukao · Examiner: Vicky A Johnson · AU 3656 · TC 3600

Life of the application

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Abstract

A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first operating structure, a second operating structure, and a prevention member. The first operating structure comprises a first take-up member, a first operating member, and a first actuating member. The second operating structure comprises a second take-up member and a second operating member. The prevention member is configured to move together with the second operating member to prevent the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member to move in at least one of a first pulling actuation direction and a first releasing actuation direction during a movement of the first operating member from a first rest position toward a first operated position.

Description

29 parts
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
›Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bicycle operating device.

Discussion of the Background

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One bicycle component that has been extensively redesigned is an operating device.

›SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION · 1 of 4

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first operating structure, a second operating structure, and a prevention member. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle body. The first operating structure comprises a first take-up member, a first operating member, and a first actuating member. The first take-up member is movable relative to the base member to move a first mechanical control cable in a first pulling direction and a first releasing direction opposite to the first pulling direction. The first operating member is movable relative to the base member between a first rest position and a first operated position. The first actuating member is operatively coupled with the first take-up member to actuate the first take-up member to move in at least one of a first pulling actuation direction and a first releasing actuation direction. The second operating structure comprises a second take-up member and a second operating member. The second take-up member is movable relative to the base member to move a second mechanical control cable in a second pulling direction and a second releasing direction opposite to the second pulling direction. The second operating member is movable relative to the base member between a second rest position and a second operated position. The prevention member is configured to move together with the second operating member to prevent the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member to move in at least one of the first pulling actuation direction and the first releasing actuation direction during a movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect, when the second operating member is moved relative to the base member, the prevention member is moved together with the second operating member relative to the base member. Thus, the prevention member prevents the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member to move in the at least one of the first pulling actuation direction and the first releasing actuation direction during the movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position. Accordingly, it is possible to separately operate a first bicycle component and a second bicycle component via the first control cable and the second control cable even when the first operating member and the second operating member are simultaneously moved relative to the base member. This improves operability of the bicycle operating device.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to the first aspect is configured so that the second operating member includes an operating abutment contactable with the first operating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the second aspect, it is possible to move the first operating member in response to a movement of the second operating member in a state where the operating abutment is in contact with the first operating member. At this time, the prevention member and the first operating member move together with the second operating member. This prevents the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member to move in the at least one of the first pulling actuation direction and the first releasing actuation direction during the movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the operating abutment has an abutment path defined from the second rest position to the second operated position. The first operating member is on the abutment path to come into contact with the operating abutment during a movement of the second operating member from the second rest position to the second operated position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the third aspect, it is possible to reduce a total space in which the first operating member and the second operating member move relative to the base member.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the operating abutment contacts the first operating member in a state where the second operating member is at the second rest position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to reduce a total space in which the first operating member and the second operating member move relative to the base member.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the operating abutment is disposed on an opposite side of the first operated position of the first operating member with respect to the first rest position of the first operating member in a state where the second operating member is at the second rest position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to move the prevention member together with the second operating member relative to the base member before the first operating member moves relative to the base member in response to the movement of the second operating member. Thus, it is possible to certainly prevent the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member to move in the at least one of the first pulling actuation direction and the first releasing actuation direction during the movement of the first operating member from the first rest position toward the first operated position.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the first take-up member is rotatably coupled to the base member about a rotational axis. The second take-up member is rotatably coupled to the base member about the rotational axis.

›SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION · 2 of 4

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device compact since the first take-up member and the second take-up member are rotatable relative to the base member about the same rotational axis.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the base member includes an internal space. The first operating structure and the second operating structure are at least partly disposed in the internal space.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventh aspect, the base member protects the first operating structure and the second operating structure.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the first actuating member is movable relative to the first operating member between a first actuation position at which the movement of the first operating member is transmitted to the first take-up member via the first actuating member, and a first non-actuation position at which the movement of the first operating member is not transmitted to the first take-up member via the first actuating member, the first non-actuation position being farther from the first take-up member than the first actuation position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to transmit the movement of the first operating member to the first take-up member via the first actuating member and to prevent the movement of the first operating member from being transmitted to the first take-up member via the first actuating member in accordance with a position of the first actuating member.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the prevention member includes a first cam to move the first actuating member from the first actuation position to the first non-actuation position in response to a movement of the second operating member from the second rest position toward the second operated position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to change the position of the first actuating member by using the first cam of the prevention member. Thus, the prevention member and the first actuating member can prevent the movement of the first operating member from being transmitted to the first take-up member in response to the movement of the second operating member.

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the first cam is provided at the second operating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to simplify the structure of the first operating member and the prevention member.

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the first actuating member is attached to the first operating member. The second operating structure includes a second actuating member operatively coupled with the second take-up member to actuate the second take-up member to move in at least one of a second pulling actuation direction and a second releasing actuation direction, the second actuating member being attached to the second operating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to simplify the structure of at least one of the first operating member, the first actuating member, the second operating member, and the second actuating member.

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the prevention member is partly provided between the first actuating member and the second actuating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device compact.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the first actuating member is pivotably coupled to the first operating member about a first actuation pivot axis. The first actuating member includes a contact part extending toward the prevention member in an axial direction parallel to the first actuation pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device compact.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the second operating structure includes a second actuating member operatively coupled with the second take-up member to actuate the second take-up member to move in at least one of a second pulling actuation direction and a second releasing actuation direction. The first actuating member and the second actuating member are attached to the first operating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to simplify the structure of at least one of the first operating member, the first actuating member, and the second actuating member.

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the first actuating member is pivotally coupled to the first operating member about an actuation pivot axis. The second actuating member is pivotally coupled to the first operating member about the actuation pivot axis.

With the bicycle operating device according to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to simplify the structure of at least one of the first operating member, the first actuating member, and the second actuating member.

›SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION · 3 of 4

In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the prevention member is partly disposed between the first actuating member and the second actuating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device compact.

In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the second actuating member is movable relative to the first operating member between a second actuation position at which a movement of the second operating member is transmitted to the second take-up member via the second actuating member, and a second non-actuation position at which the movement of the second operating member is not transmitted to the second take-up member via the second actuating member, the second non-actuating position being farther from the second take-up member than the second actuation position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to transmit the movement of the second operating member to the second take-up member via the second actuating member and to prevent the movement of the second operating member from being transmitted to the second take-up member via the second actuating member in accordance with a position of the second actuating member.

In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the second operating structure includes an actuation biasing member to bias the second actuating member toward the second non-actuation position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to stabilize the position of the second operating member at the second non-actuation position.

In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the second operating structure includes a second cam to move the second actuating member to the second actuation position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the nineteenth aspect, it is possible to change the position of the second actuating member in response to the movement of the second operating member.

In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the second cam is provided at the second operating member.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to simplify the structure of the second operating member.

In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the first operating structure includes a first positioning structure to position the first take-up member at a plurality of control positions. The second operating structure is configured such that the second take-up member is movable relative to the base member between the second rest position and the second operated position without mechanically positioning the second mechanical control cable relative to the base member during a movement of the second operating member between the second rest position and the second operated position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-first aspect, it is possible to separately operate a first bicycle component having a plurality of actuated positions and a second bicycle component having only two actuated positions.

In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the second operating structure includes a second positioning structure to position the second take-up member at a plurality of control positions. The first operating structure is configured such that the first take-up member is movable relative to the base member between the first rest position and the first operated position without mechanically positioning the first mechanical control cable relative to the base member during a movement of the first operating member between the first rest position and the first operated position.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-second aspect, it is possible to separately operate a first bicycle component having only two actuated positions and a second bicycle component having a plurality of actuated positions.

In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle operating device according to any one of the above aspects is configured so that the first operating structure includes a first positioning structure to position the first take-up member at a plurality of first control positions. The second operating structure includes a second positioning structure to position the second take-up member at a plurality of second control positions.

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-third aspect, it is possible to separately operate a first bicycle component having a plurality of actuated positions and a second bicycle component having a plurality of actuated positions.

In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first operating member, a second operating member, and a switching structure. The base member is configured to be mounted to a bicycle body. The first operating member is movable relative to the base member between a first rest position and a first operated position to actuate a first bicycle component. The second operating member is movable relative to the base member between a second rest position and a second operated position to actuate a second bicycle component that is different from the first bicycle component. The switching structure is configured to actuate the first bicycle component in response to a movement of the first operating member and to actuate the second bicycle component in response to a simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members resulting from an abutment between the first operating member and the second operating member.

›SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION · 4 of 4

With the bicycle operating device according to the twenty-fourth aspect, it is possible to separately operate the first bicycle component and the second bicycle component by using the first operating member and the second operating member.

›BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS · 1 of 2

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle including a bicycle operating device in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a plane view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1 , with a handlebar.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adjustable seatpost assembly of the bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 shows a structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a front view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with a support structure omitted (first control position).

FIG. 12 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 13 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure omitted.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure omitted (second control position).

FIG. 15 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure omitted (second control position).

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure and a cable control body omitted.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure and the cable control body omitted.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure, the cable control body, and a release member omitted.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure, the cable control body, and the release member omitted.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure, the cable control body, the release member, and a first input member omitted.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 , with the support structure, the cable control body, the release member, and the first input member omitted.

FIGS. 22 to 24 are front views of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 to show pulling and releasing operation of the bicycle operating device for a first mechanical control cable.

FIGS. 25 to 29 are front views of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 to show pulling operation of the bicycle operating device for a second mechanical control cable.

FIGS. 30 to 34 are front views of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 6 to show releasing operation of the bicycle operating device for the second mechanical control cable.

FIG. 35 is a schematic view of a bicycle including a bicycle operating device in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a side elevational view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 35 .

FIG. 37 is a front view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 35 .

FIG. 38 is a front view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 35 , with a brake operating member omitted.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 35 .

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 .

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with a support structure omitted (first control position).

FIG. 42 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 .

FIG. 43 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure omitted.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure omitted (second control position).

FIG. 45 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure omitted (second control position).

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure and a cable control body omitted.

FIG. 47 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure and the cable control body omitted.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure, the cable control body, and a release member omitted.

FIG. 49 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure, the cable control body, and the release member omitted.

›BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS · 2 of 2

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure, the cable control body, the release member, and a first actuation member omitted.

FIG. 51 is a front view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure, the cable control body, the release member, and the first actuation member omitted.

FIG. 52 is another perspective view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 , with the support structure, the cable control body, the release member, and the first actuation member omitted.

FIGS. 53 to 57 are front views of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 to show pulling and releasing operation of the bicycle operating device for the first mechanical control cable.

FIGS. 58 to 59 are front views of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 to show pulling operation of the bicycle operating device for the second mechanical control cable.

FIGS. 60 to 63 are front views of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 36 to show releasing operation of the bicycle operating device for the second mechanical control cable.

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a bicycle operating device in accordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 65 is another perspective view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 64 .

FIG. 66 is a top view of a cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 64 .

FIG. 67 is another top view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 64 .

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a bicycle operating device in accordance with a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 69 is another perspective view of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 68 .

FIG. 70 is a top view of a cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 68 .

FIG. 71 is another top view of the cable operating structure of the bicycle operating device illustrated in FIG. 68 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 1 of 21

The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the various drawings.

First Embodiment

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , a bicycle 10 includes a bicycle operating device 12 in accordance with a first embodiment. The bicycle 10 further includes a bicycle body B 0 , a front wheel B 4 , a rear wheel B 5 , a brake device B 6 , a brake device B 7 , and a drive train B 8 . The bicycle body B 0 includes a bicycle frame B 1 , a handlebar B 2 , a saddle B 3 , and an adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 . The bicycle operating device 12 is mounted to the bicycle body B 0 . In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 12 is mounted to the handlebar B 2 . The adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 is detachably mounted to a seat tube B 11 of the bicycle frame B 1 . The saddle B 3 is attached to the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 . In the illustrated embodiment, the brake device B 6 includes a front brake, and the brake device B 7 includes a rear brake.

The drive train B 8 is configured to convert the rider's pedaling force into driving force. The drive train B 8 includes a front crankset B 81 , a rear sprocket B 82 , a bicycle chain B 83 , a rear derailleur B 84 , and a front derailleur B 85 . The front crankset B 81 is rotatably mounted on a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame B 1 . While the front crankset B 81 includes a single front sprocket in this embodiment, the front crankset B 81 can include a plurality of front sprockets. In such an embodiment, the bicycle 10 includes a front derailleur.

The front crankset B 81 is rotatably mounted to the bicycle frame B 1 and includes a front sprocket B 86 . The front sprocket B 86 includes a plurality of front sprocket elements. The rear sprocket B 82 is mounted to a rear axle of the rear wheel B 5 and includes a plurality of rear sprocket elements. The bicycle chain B 83 couples the front sprocket B 86 to the rear sprocket B 82 to transmit the pedaling force from the front crankset B 81 to the rear sprocket B 82 . The rear derailleur B 84 shifts the bicycle chain B 83 relative to the rear sprocket B 82 in a transverse direction of the bicycle 10 to change a speed stage among a plurality of speed stages defined by the front sprocket B 86 and the rear sprocket B 82 . The front derailleur B 85 shifts the bicycle chain B 83 relative to the front sprocket B 86 in the transverse direction of the bicycle 10 to change a speed stage among the plurality of speed stages.

In this embodiment, the following directional terms “front”, “rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “left”, “right”, “transverse”, “upward” and “downward” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions which are determined on the basis of the rider who sits on the saddle B 3 of the bicycle 10 with facing the handlebar B 2 , for example. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle 10 including the bicycle operating device 12 should be interpreted relative to the bicycle 10 as used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface as illustrated in FIG. 1 . These terms, as utilized to describe the bicycle operating device 12 should be interpreted relative to the bicycle operating device 12 as mounted on the bicycle 10 used in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface as illustrated in FIG. 1 .

As seen in FIG. 2 , the bicycle operating device 12 is operatively connected to the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 via a first mechanical control cable C 1 . The bicycle operating device 12 is operatively connected to the front derailleur B 85 via a second mechanical control cable C 2 . The bicycle operating device 12 is operatively connected to the brake device B 7 via a brake control cable C 3 . The bicycle 10 includes an additional bicycle operating device 18 . The additional bicycle operating device 18 is operatively connected to the rear derailleur B 84 via an additional mechanical control cable C 4 . The additional bicycle operating device 18 is operatively connected to the brake device B 6 via an additional brake control cable C 5 . Examples of the mechanical control cables C 1 to C 5 can include a Bowden cable.

For example, as seen in FIG. 6 , the first mechanical control cable C 1 includes an outer casing C 11 and an inner wire C 12 provided in the outer casing C 11 . The inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 is coupled to the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 . The second mechanical control cable C 2 includes an outer casing C 21 and an inner wire C 22 provided in the outer casing C 21 . The inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 is coupled to the front derailleur B 85 . The brake control cable C 3 includes an outer casing C 31 and an inner wire C 32 provided in the outer casing C 31 . The inner wire C 32 of the brake control cable C 3 is coupled to the brake device B 7 . The front derailleur B 85 can be omitted from the bicycle 10 .

As seen in FIG. 3 , the bicycle operating device 12 is a left-side operating device. The bicycle operating device 12 is mounted to a left part B 21 of the handlebar B 2 in the mounting state where the bicycle operating device 12 is mounted to the handlebar B 2 . The additional bicycle operating device 18 is a right-side operating device. The additional bicycle operating device 18 is mounted to a right part B 22 of the handlebar B 2 in the mounting state where the additional bicycle operating device 18 is mounted to the handlebar B 2 . The bicycle operating device 12 is provided on a left side of a transverse center plane CP 1 of the bicycle in the mounting state when a transverse center of the handlebar B 2 is provided on the transverse center plane CP 1 . The additional bicycle operating device 18 is provided on a right side of the transverse center plane CP 1 of the bicycle 10 in the mounting state when the transverse center of the handlebar B 2 is provided on the transverse center plane CP 1 . The transverse center plane CP 1 is defined at a center of the bicycle frame B 1 in a transverse direction D 1 of the bicycle 10 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 2 of 21

As seen in FIG. 4 , the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 includes a first tube 20 , a second tube 22 , a floating piston 24 , a rod 26 , a guide member 28 , a flow control part 30 , and a valve unit 32 , and an actuating structure 33 . The flow control part 30 is operatively coupled to the first mechanical control cable C 1 via the actuating structure 33 . The valve unit 32 divides an interior bore of the first tube 20 into a first fluid chamber 34 and a second fluid chamber 36 . The flow control part 30 is provided in the guide member 28 to move relative to the valve unit 32 between a closed position VP 1 and an open position VP 2 . The flow control part 30 is biased by a biasing element (not shown) toward the closed position VP 1 . The valve unit 32 is closed when the flow control part 30 is positioned at the closed position VP 1 . The valve unit 32 is open when the flow control part 30 is positioned at the open position VP 2 . The actuating structure 33 converts a pulling movement of the first mechanical control cable C 1 into an upward movement of the flow control part 30 from the closed position VP 1 to the open position VP 2 . The first tube 20 and the second tube 22 are telescopically arranged, with the amount of insertion of the first tube 20 into the second tube 22 being adjustable. The second tube 22 is secured to the seat tube B 11 ( FIG. 1 ) by a conventional clamping arrangement (not shown) provided on an upper end of the seat tube B 11 .

The valve unit 32 is coupled to the second tube 22 via the guide member 28 to move together relative to the first tube 20 . The first fluid chamber 34 is disposed between the valve unit 32 and the floating piston 24 . The second fluid chamber 36 is disposed between the valve unit 32 and a lower end of the first tube 20 . The flow control part 30 cooperates with the guide member 28 and the valve unit 32 to control flow of fluid between the first fluid chamber 34 and the second fluid chamber 36 to change a position of the first tube 20 relative to the second tube 22 . When the valve unit 32 is closed, the first tube 20 is positioned relative to the second tube 22 in a telescopic direction D 2 . When the valve unit 32 is open, the first tube 20 is movable relative to the second tube 22 in the telescopic direction D 2 . The floating piston 24 is disposed in the interior bore of the first tube 20 and forms a gas chamber 38 disposed between the floating piston 24 and an upper end of the first tube 20 . The shorter total length of the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 increases an inner pressure of the gas chamber 38 . Since structures of the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 have been known in the bicycle field, they will not be described and/or illustrated in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIG. 5 , the bicycle operating device 12 comprises a base member 40 , a first operating member 42 , and a second operating member 44 . The base member 40 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle body B 0 . In this embodiment, the base member 40 is configured to be mounted to the handlebar B 2 . The base member 40 comprises a first end portion 46 , a second end portion 48 , and a grip portion 50 . The first end portion 46 is configured to be coupled to the handlebar B 2 in the mounting state where the bicycle operating device 12 is mounted to the handlebar B 2 . The second end portion 48 is opposite to the first end portion 46 . The grip portion 50 is provided between the first end portion 46 and the second end portion 48 .

In this embodiment, the first end portion 46 is configured to be coupled to a bending portion B 23 of the handlebar B 2 in the mounting state where the bicycle operating device 12 is mounted to the handlebar B 2 . However, the first end portion 46 can be coupled to other types of handlebar. As seen in FIG. 3 , the first end portion 46 of the base member 40 is configured to be coupled to the left part B 21 of the handlebar B 2 in the mounting state.

As seen in FIG. 5 , the bicycle operating device 12 includes a mounting structure 52 . The base member 40 is mounted to the handlebar B 2 via the mounting structure 52 . The base member 40 is a stationary member when mounted to the handlebar B 2 . The mounting structure 52 preferably includes a band clamp or similar structure that is used in a road shifter for mounting to a drop-down handlebar. The base member 40 is covered by a grip cover 54 made of a non-metallic material such as rubber. Riders sometimes grip the base member 40 via the grip cover 54 and lean on the base member 40 via the grip cover 54 during riding. The grip cover 54 can be omitted from the bicycle operating device 12 .

As seen in FIG. 6 , one of the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 is at least partly closer to the first end portion 46 of the base member 40 than the other of the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 . In this embodiment, the first operating member 42 is at least partly closer to the first end portion 46 of the base member 40 than the second operating member 44 . However, the second operating member 44 can be at least partly closer to the first end portion 46 of the base member 40 than the first operating member 42 .

As seen in FIG. 7 , the first operating member 42 is movable relative to the base member 40 between a first rest position P 21 and a first operated position P 22 . The first operating member 42 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 to actuate a first bicycle component. In this embodiment, the first operating member 42 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 to actuate the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 provided as the first bicycle component. However, the bicycle operating device 12 can be operatively coupled to other bicycle components such as the rear derailleur B 84 and the front derailleur B 85 . In this embodiment, the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 can also be referred to as the first bicycle component B 9 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 3 of 21

In the present application, the term “rest position” as used herein refers to a position at which a movable part such as the first operating member 42 or the second operating member 44 remains stationary in a state where the movable part is not operated by the user. The term “operated position” as used herein refers to a position at which the movable part has been operated by the user to perform the operation of a bicycle component such as the brake device B 6 , the brake device B 7 , the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 , the rear derailleur B 84 , or the front derailleur B 85 .

As seen in FIG. 7 , the first operating member 42 is coupled to the base member 40 movably between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 to move the first mechanical control cable C 1 relative to the base member 40 . The first operating member 42 is coupled to the base member 40 movably between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 to operate the first bicycle component B 9 via the first mechanical control cable C 1 . Namely, the first operating member 42 is movably coupled to the base member 40 to operate the first bicycle component B 9 via the first mechanical control cable C 1 . In this embodiment, the first operating member 42 is coupled to the base member 40 pivotally about a first pivot axis A 1 . The first operating member 42 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in a first direction D 51 from the first rest position P 21 to the first operated position P 22 . The first operating member 42 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in a second direction D 52 from the first operated position P 22 to the first rest position P 21 . The second direction D 52 is a direction opposite to the first direction D 51 .

As seen in FIG. 8 , the second operating member 44 is movable relative to the base member 40 between a second rest position P 951 and a second operated position P 952 . The second operating member 44 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 to actuate a second bicycle component that is different from the first bicycle component B 9 . In this embodiment, the second operating member 44 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 to actuate the front derailleur B 85 provided as the second bicycle component. However, the bicycle operating device 12 can be operatively coupled to other bicycle components such as the rear derailleur B 84 and the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 . In this embodiment, the front derailleur B 85 can also be referred to as the second bicycle component B 85 .

As seen in FIG. 8 , the second operating member 44 is coupled to the base member 40 movably between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 to move the second mechanical control cable C 2 relative to the base member 40 . The second operating member 44 is coupled to the base member 40 movably between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 to operate the second bicycle component B 85 via the second mechanical control cable C 2 . Namely, the second operating member 44 is movably coupled to the base member 40 to operate the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 via the first mechanical control cable C 1 . In this embodiment, the second operating member 44 is coupled to the base member 40 pivotally about a second pivot axis A 2 .

In this embodiment, the first pivot axis A 1 coincides with the second pivot axis A 2 of the second operating member 44 . However, the first pivot axis A 1 can be offset from the second pivot axis A 2 . The second operating member 44 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 . The second operating member 44 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the second direction D 52 from the second operated position P 952 to the second rest position P 951 .

As seen in FIG. 6 , the second operating member 44 is movably coupled to the base member 40 to operate the brake device B 7 . The second operating member 44 is coupled to the base member 40 pivotally about a brake pivot axis A 3 . The second operating member 44 is coupled to the base member 40 pivotally between a brake rest position P 31 and a brake operated position P 32 . The second operating member 44 is provided as a brake lever. However, the function of the brake lever can be omitted from the second operating member 44 .

In this embodiment, each of the first pivot axis A 1 and the second pivot axis A 2 is non-parallel to the brake pivot axis A 3 . Thus, the second operating member 44 is movable relative to the base member 40 in a direction different from the first direction D 51 and the second direction D 52 .

An end of the inner wire C 32 of the brake control cable C 3 is coupled to the second operating member 44 . The inner wire C 32 is pulled relative to the outer casing C 31 and the base member 40 when the second operating member 44 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the brake pivot axis A 3 from the brake rest position P 31 toward the brake operated position P 32 . The inner wire C 32 is returned relative to the outer casing C 31 and the base member 40 when the second operating member 44 is returned relative to the base member 40 about the brake pivot axis A 3 from the brake operated position P 32 to the brake rest position P 31 .

As seen in FIG. 7 , the first operating member 42 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 and the second operating member 44 from the first rest position P 21 to the first operated position P 22 when only the first operating member 42 is operated.

As seen in FIG. 8 , the first operating member 42 is pivoted together with the second operating member 44 relative to the base member 40 from the first rest position P 21 to the first operated position P 22 when the second operating member 44 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 even if the first operating member 42 is not operated.

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 4 of 21

Specifically, the second operating member 44 includes an operating abutment 44 C contactable with the first operating member 42 . The operating abutment 44 C has an abutment path PT 1 defined from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 . The first operating member 42 is on the abutment path PT 1 to come into contact with the operating abutment 44 C during a movement of the second operating member 44 from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 . The operating abutment 44 C contacts the first operating member 42 in a state where the second operating member 44 is at the second rest position P 951 . Thus, the pivotal movement of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the second operating member 44 when the first operating member 42 is pivoted from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . This causes the second operating member 44 to pivot together with the first operating member 42 when the first operating member 42 is pivoted from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . The operating abutment 44 C can be disposed to be spaced apart from the first operating member 42 in the state where the second operating member 44 is at the second rest position P 951 . In such an embodiment, the operating abutment 44 C comes into contact with the first operating member 42 during the movement of the second operating member 44 from the second rest position P 951 toward the second operated position P 952 .

As seen in FIG. 9 , the bicycle operating device 12 includes a coupling member 56 , a first shaft 58 , a second shaft 64 , a brake biasing member 60 , a first biasing member 62 , and a second biasing member 65 . The first shaft 58 defines the brake pivot axis A 3 and is attached to the base member 40 . The first operating member 42 is pivotally coupled to the base member 40 by the first shaft 58 . Specifically, the coupling member 56 is pivotally coupled to the base member 40 about the brake pivot axis A 3 via the first shaft 58 . The first operating member 42 is pivotally coupled to the coupling member 56 about the first pivot axis A 1 via the second shaft 64 . The second operating member 44 is pivotally coupled to the coupling member 56 about the second pivot axis A 2 via the second shaft 64 . An end of the inner wire C 32 ( FIG. 6 ) of the brake control cable C 3 is coupled to the coupling member 56 .

The brake biasing member 60 biases the first operating member 42 (the coupling member 56 ) toward the brake rest position P 31 . The brake biasing member 60 is mounted on the first shaft 58 . The first biasing member 62 is mounted on the second shaft 64 to bias the first operating member 42 toward the first rest position P 21 ( FIG. 7 ). The second biasing member 65 is mounted on the second shaft 64 to bias the second operating member 44 toward the second rest position P 951 ( FIG. 8 ). The second shaft 64 is coaxial with a third shaft 72 (described later) in a state where the first operating member 42 is at the brake rest position P 31 .

As seen in FIG. 9 , the bicycle operating device 12 comprises a switching structure 66 . The switching structure 66 is configured to actuate the first bicycle component B 9 in response to a movement of the first operating member 42 . The switching structure 66 is configured to actuate the second bicycle component B 85 in response to a simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members 42 and 44 resulting from an abutment between the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 . In this embodiment, the switching structure 66 includes a mechanical structure. However, the switching structure 66 can include a hydraulic unit or an electrical component instead of or in addition to the mechanical structure.

In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 12 comprises a first operating structure 68 and a second operating structure 70 . The switching structure 66 includes a part of the first operating structure 68 and a part of the second operating structure 70 . The first operating structure 68 and the second operating structure 70 are mounted on the third shaft 72 . The base member 40 includes an internal space 40 A. The first operating structure 68 and the second operating structure 70 are at least partly disposed in the internal space 40 A. However, at least one of the first operating structure 68 and the second operating structure 70 can be disposed outside the internal space 40 A. Furthermore, the internal space 40 A can be omitted from the base member 40 .

The bicycle operating device 12 comprises a support structure 982 . The support structure 982 is secured to the base member 40 . As seen in FIG. 10 , the support structure 982 includes a first support plate 982 A, a second support plate 982 B, and a third support plate 982 C. The second support plate 982 B is coupled to the first support plate 982 A and the third support plate 982 C.

As seen in FIGS. 10 to 12 , the second operating structure 70 comprises a second take-up member 976 , the second operating member 44 , and a second actuating member 988 . The second take-up member 976 is movable relative to the base member 40 to move the second mechanical control cable C 2 in a second pulling direction D 41 and a second releasing direction D 42 opposite to the second pulling direction D 41 . In this embodiment, the second take-up member 976 is coupled to the second operating member 44 to move the second mechanical control cable C 2 relative to the base member 40 in the second pulling direction D 41 and the second releasing direction D 42 opposite to the second pulling direction D 41 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 . The second pulling direction D 41 and the second releasing direction D 42 are defined along the second mechanical control cable C 2 . An end of the inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 is coupled to the second take-up member 976 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 5 of 21

In this embodiment, the second take-up member 976 is rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about a rotational axis A 97 . As seen in FIG. 9 , the rotational axis A 97 coincides with the first pivot axis A 1 and the second pivot axis A 2 in the state where the second operating member 44 is at the brake rest position P 31 . However, the rotational axis A 97 can be offset from the first pivot axis A 1 and the second pivot axis A 2 in the state where the second operating member 44 is at the brake rest position P 31 .

As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the second actuating member 988 is operatively coupled with the second take-up member 976 to actuate the second take-up member 976 to move in at least one of a second pulling actuation direction D 61 and a second releasing actuation direction D 62 . In this embodiment, the second actuating member 988 is a pawl that is contactable to the second take-up member 976 to move the second take-up member 976 in the second pulling actuation direction D 61 . The second releasing actuation direction D 62 is a direction opposite to the second pulling actuation direction D 61 . The second pulling actuation direction D 61 and the second releasing actuation direction D 62 are defined along a circumferential direction defined about the rotational axis A 97 . In this embodiment, the second actuating member 988 is operatively coupled with the second take-up member 976 to actuate the second take-up member 976 to move in the second pulling actuation direction D 61 . However, the second actuating member 988 can be operatively coupled with the second take-up member 976 to actuate the second take-up member 976 to move in the second releasing actuation direction D 62 or both the second pulling actuation direction D 61 and the second releasing actuation direction D 62 .

As seen in FIG. 13 , the second actuating member 988 is movable relative to the second operating member 44 between a second actuation position P 962 and a second non-actuation position P 961 . At the second actuation position P 962 , the movement of the second operating member 44 is transmitted to the second take-up member 976 via the second actuating member 988 . At the second non-actuation position P 961 , the movement of the second operating member 44 is not transmitted to the second take-up member 976 via the second actuating member 988 . The second non-actuation position P 961 is farther from the second take-up member 976 than the second actuation position P 962 . The second actuation position P 962 and the second non-actuation position P 961 are defined based on an end (a portion contactable with the take-up member 976 ) of the second actuating member 988 .

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the second actuating member 988 is attached to the second operating member 44 . In this embodiment, the second operating member 44 includes a second operating body 944 and a second input member 987 . The second operating body 944 is pivotally coupled to the base member 40 about the second pivot axis A 2 ( FIG. 9 ). The second input member 987 is pivotally coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . The second input member 987 is pivotally mounted on the third shaft 72 ( FIG. 9 ). The second operating body 944 is contactable with the second input member 987 to transmit a pivotal movement of the second operating body 944 to the second input member 987 in the first direction D 51 . The second actuating member 988 is attached to the second input member 987 .

The second input member 987 includes a second transmission part 987 A. The second transmission part 987 A is contactable with an additional operating abutment 943 A of the second operating member 44 . The second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 when the second operating body 944 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the second pivot axis A 2 from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 . The second actuating member 988 is pivotally coupled to the second input member 987 about a second actuation pivot axis A 95 via a pivot pin 988 A. The second actuating member 988 includes a first actuation pawl contactable with the second take-up member 976 .

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 13 , the second operating structure 70 includes a second actuation biasing element 989 . The second actuation biasing element 989 is mounted to the pivot pin 988 A to bias the second actuating member 988 . The second actuation biasing element 989 include a torsion coil spring.

The second input member 987 includes an elongated hole 987 B. The elongated hole 987 B has a curved shape in the circumferential direction defined about the rotational axis A 97 . A stop pin 987 C is secured to the support structure 982 ( FIG. 12 ) and extends through the elongated hole 987 B to define a maximum pivot angle of the second input member 987 .

As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the second operating structure 70 includes a second positioning structure 78 to position the second take-up member 976 at a plurality of control positions. The second positioning structure 78 is configured to selectively maintain the second take-up member 976 at a plurality of control positions.

The second positioning structure 78 is coupled to the second take-up member 976 to position the second take-up member 976 relative to the base member 40 at each of a first control position P 941 and a second control position P 942 relative to the base member 40 . In this embodiment, the second positioning structure 78 is coupled to the second take-up member 976 to position the second take-up member 976 relative to the base member 40 at each of only two control positions (the first control position P 941 and the second control position P 942 ) relative to the base member 40 . However, the total number of the control positions is not limited to this embodiment and it can be three and more.

The inner wire C 22 is pulled relative to the outer casing C 21 and the base member 40 when the second take-up member 976 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 from the first control position P 941 to the second control position P 942 . The inner wire C 22 is released (returned) relative to the outer casing C 21 and the base member 40 when the second take-up member 976 is returned relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 from the second control position P 942 to the first control position P 941 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 6 of 21

As seen in FIG. 13 , the second take-up member 976 is configured to pull the second mechanical control cable C 2 when the second operating member 44 is moved relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . The second take-up member 976 is configured to release the second mechanical control cable C 2 when the second operating member 44 is moved relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . In other words, a movement direction of the second operating member 44 to pull the second mechanical control cable C 2 is the same as a movement direction of the second operating member 44 to release the second mechanical control cable C 2 . However, the movement directions of the second operating member 44 to pull and release the second mechanical control cable C 2 can be different from each other. For example, the movement direction of the second operating member 44 to pull the second mechanical control cable C 2 can be the first direction D 51 , and the movement direction of the second operating member 44 to release the second mechanical control cable C 2 can be the second direction D 52 .

Specifically, the second operating member 44 is movable relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 to provide a first movement M 1 . In this embodiment, the first movement M 1 is a pivotal movement of the second operating member 44 . The second positioning structure 78 is coupled to the second operating member 44 to move the second take-up member 976 such that the second mechanical control cable C 2 is moved in the second pulling direction D 41 and the second releasing direction D 42 alternatingly in response to the first movement M 1 of the second operating member 44 .

As seen in FIGS. 10 to 13 , the second positioning structure 78 includes a positioning member 980 and a first biasing element 981 . The positioning member 980 is pivotally coupled to a support structure 982 ( FIG. 10 ) about a positioning pivot axis A 94 via a pivot pin 980 A. The positioning member 980 includes a positioning pawl contactable with the second take-up member 976 . The positioning member 980 is pivotally coupled to the first support plate 982 A and the second support plate 982 B. The first biasing element 981 is mounted to the support structure 982 to bias the positioning member 980 to keep in contact with the second take-up member 976 . The first biasing element 981 biases positioning pawl of the positioning member 980 toward the second take-up member 976 . The positioning pawl contacts the second take-up member 976 to prevent the second take-up member 976 from rotating in the second releasing direction D 62 .

The second take-up member 976 includes a cable attachment part 983 , a first positioning abutment 984 , a second positioning abutment 985 , and a control biasing element 986 . An end of the inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 is attached to the cable attachment part 983 . The first positioning abutment 984 is circumferentially spaced apart from the second positioning abutment 985 . The control biasing element 986 is mounted to the support structure 982 to bias the second take-up member 976 toward the first control position P 941 in the second direction D 52 .

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 13 , the second take-up member 976 is positioned at the first control position P 941 in a state where the positioning member 980 is in contact with the first positioning abutment 984 . As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the second take-up member 976 is positioned at the second control position P 942 in a state where the positioning member 980 is in contact with the second positioning abutment 985 .

The second take-up member 976 includes an actuation abutment 976 A, a first contact surface 976 B, and a second contact surface 976 C. The actuation abutment 976 A is adjacent to the first contact surface 976 B. The first contact surface 976 B is closer to the actuation abutment 976 A than the second contact surface 976 C. The second actuation biasing element 989 biases the second actuating member 988 toward the second take-up member 976 .

As seen in FIGS. 11 and 13 , the second actuating member 988 keeps in contact with the first contact surface 976 B in a state where the second take-up member 976 is positioned at the first control position P 941 because of a biasing force of the second actuation biasing element 989 . The second actuating member 988 is positioned at a second actuation position P 962 in a state where the second actuating member 988 is in contact with the first contact surface 976 B. The second actuating member 988 is contactable with the actuation abutment 976 A in a state where the second actuating member 988 is positioned at a second actuation position P 962 . In this state, the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the second take-up member 976 via the second input member 987 and the second actuating member 988 .

As seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the second actuating member 988 keeps in contact with the second contact surface 976 C of the second take-up member 976 in a state where the second take-up member 976 is positioned at the second control position P 942 because of the biasing force of the second actuation biasing element 989 . The second actuating member 988 is positioned at a second additional actuation position P 962 in a state where the second actuating member 988 is in contact with the second contact surface 976 C. The second actuating member 988 is not contactable with the actuation abutment 976 A in a state where the second actuating member 988 is positioned at the second additional actuation position P 962 because of an enough distance between the second actuating member 988 and the actuation abutment 976 A. In this state, the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 is not transmitted to the second take-up member 976 via the second input member 987 and the second actuating member 988 .

As seen in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the second positioning structure 78 includes a release member 990 . The release member 990 is pivotally coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . The release member 990 includes a release abutment 990 A and a release pawl 990 B. The second actuating member 988 is contactable with the release abutment 990 A in a state where the second actuating member 988 is positioned at the second additional actuation position P 962 . The release pawl 990 B is contactable with the positioning member 980 in a state where the second actuating member 988 is engaged with one of the first positioning abutment 984 and the second positioning abutment 985 . In this state, the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the release member 990 via the second input member 987 and the second actuating member 988 . This pivots the positioning member 980 about the positioning pivot axis A 94 against a biasing force of the first biasing element 981 to move away from the second take-up member 976 . The positioning member 980 is not contactable with the second positioning abutment 985 in a state where the release pawl 990 B moves the positioning member 980 away from the second take-up member 976 . However, the positioning member 980 is contactable with the first positioning abutment 984 in the state where the release pawl 990 B moves the positioning member 980 away from the second take-up member 976 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 7 of 21

The second actuating member 988 is spaced apart from the actuation abutment 976 A in a state where the second take-up member 976 is positioned at the second control position P 942 . The second actuating member 988 is not contactable with the actuation abutment 976 A in the state where the second actuating member 988 is positioned at the second engagement position. In this state, the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 is not transmitted to the second take-up member 976 via the second input member 987 and the second actuating member 988 .

The release pawl 990 B is contactable with the positioning member 980 . The release pawl 990 B pivots the positioning member 980 about the positioning pivot axis A 94 to move away from the second take-up member 976 when the release member 990 is pivoted about the rotational axis A 97 in response to the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 .

As seen in FIG. 17 , the release member 990 includes a first protrusion 990 C and a second protrusion 990 D. The first protrusion 990 C is spaced apart from the second protrusion 990 D. The stop pin 987 C is contactable with the first protrusion 990 C and the second protrusion 990 D. The stop pin 987 C defines a pivot angle of the release member 990 . The first biasing element 981 biases the release member 990 via the positioning member 980 so that the first protrusion 990 C is in contact with the stop pin 987 C.

As seen in FIGS. 18 to 21 , the first operating structure 68 comprises a first take-up member 995 , the first operating member 42 , and a first actuating member 993 . The first take-up member 995 is movable relative to the base member 40 to move the first mechanical control cable C 1 in a first pulling direction D 31 and a first releasing direction D 32 opposite to the first pulling direction D 31 . In this embodiment, the first take-up member 995 is coupled to the first operating member 42 to move the first mechanical control cable C 1 relative to the base member 40 in the first pulling direction D 31 and the first releasing direction D 32 opposite to the first pulling direction D 31 in response to the movement of the first operating member 42 . The first pulling direction D 31 and the first releasing direction D 32 are defined along the first mechanical control cable C 1 . An end of the inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 is coupled to the first take-up member 995 .

In this embodiment, the first take-up member 995 is rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . However, the first take-up member 995 can be rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about another rotational axis different from the rotational axis A 97 .

As seen in FIG. 18 , the first actuating member 993 is operatively coupled with the first take-up member 995 to actuate the first take-up member 995 to move in at least one of a first pulling actuation direction D 71 and a first releasing actuation direction D 72 . The first actuating member 993 is operatively coupled with the first take-up member 995 to actuate the first take-up member 995 to move in the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 . In this embodiment, the first pulling actuation direction D 71 is the same direction as the second pulling actuation direction D 61 ( FIG. 16 ). The first releasing actuation direction D 72 is the same direction as the second releasing actuation direction D 62 ( FIG. 16 ). However, the first pulling actuation direction D 71 can be different from the second pulling actuation direction D 61 , and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 can be different from the second releasing actuation direction D 62 .

As seen in FIGS. 18 to 21 , the first operating structure 68 is configured such that the first take-up member 995 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 without mechanically positioning the first mechanical control cable C 1 relative to the base member 40 during a movement of the first operating member 42 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 .

In the present application, the term “mechanically positioning” as used herein refers to as positioning a movable element such as an inner wire of a mechanical control cable relative to a stationary element such as the base member 40 at a predetermined position in a state where an operating member such as the first operating member 42 or the second operating member 44 is not operated by the user. The inner wire of the mechanical control cable is returned to a cable rest position when the operating member is released by the user after the operating member is operated from a rest position to an operated position.

The first operating structure 68 moves the first mechanical control cable C 1 from a first cable rest position P 971 relative to the base member 40 in response to a movement of only the first operating member 42 . In this embodiment, the first operating structure 68 moves the first mechanical control cable C 1 from the first cable rest position P 971 relative to the base member 40 in response to a movement of only the first operating member 42 .

The first operating member 42 is positioned at the first rest position P 21 relative to the base member 40 in a state where the first operating member 42 is not operated by the user. The first operating member 42 is not mechanically positioned relative to the base member 40 at any position other than the first rest position P 21 .

As seen in FIG. 19 , the first actuating member 993 is movable relative to the first operating member 42 between a first actuation position P 981 and a first non-actuation position P 982 . At the first actuation position P 981 , the movement of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the first take-up member 995 via the first actuating member 993 . At the first non-actuation position P 982 , the movement of the first operating member 42 is not transmitted to the first take-up member 995 via the first actuating member 993 . The first non-actuation position P 982 is farther from the first take-up member 995 than the first actuation position P 981 . The first actuation position P 981 and the first non-actuation position P 982 are defined based on an end (a portion contactable with the take-up member 976 ) of the first actuating member 993 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 8 of 21

The first actuating member 993 is operatively coupled with the first take-up member 995 to actuate the first take-up member 995 to move in at least one of a first pulling actuation direction D 71 and a first releasing actuation direction D 72 . In this embodiment, the first actuating member 993 is operatively coupled with the first take-up member 995 to actuate the first take-up member 995 to move in the first pulling actuation direction D 71 . However, the first actuating member 993 can be operatively coupled with the first take-up member 995 to actuate the first take-up member 995 to move in the first releasing actuation direction D 72 or both the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 .

The first actuating member 993 is attached to the first operating member 42 . The first actuating member 993 is pivotably coupled to the first operating member 42 about a first actuation pivot axis A 96 . In this embodiment, the first operating member 42 includes a first operating body 942 and a first input member 992 . The first operating body 942 is pivotally coupled to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 ( FIG. 9 ). The first input member 992 is pivotally coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . The first input member 992 is pivotally mounted on the third shaft 72 ( FIG. 9 ). The first operating body 942 is contactable with the first input member 992 to transmit a pivotal movement of the first operating body 942 to the first input member 992 in the first direction D 51 . The first actuating member 993 is pivotally coupled to the first input member 992 about the first actuation pivot axis A 96 .

As seen in FIG. 19 , the first input member 992 includes a first transmission part 992 A. The first transmission part 992 A is contactable with the first operating body 942 . The first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 when only the first operating member 42 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 from the first rest position P 21 to the first operated position P 22 . The first and second input members 992 and 987 are pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 when the second operating member 44 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the second pivot axis A 2 from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 .

The first actuating member 993 is pivotally coupled to the first input member 992 about the first actuation pivot axis A 96 via a pivot pin 996 . The first actuating member 993 includes a first actuation pawl 993 A contactable with the first take-up member 995 . The first operating structure 68 includes a first actuation biasing element 994 . The first actuation biasing element 994 is mounted to the first input member 992 to bias the first actuating member 993 to keep in contact with the first take-up member 995 .

As seen in FIGS. 20 and 21 , the first take-up member 995 includes an actuation abutment 995 A and a third contact surface 995 B. The actuation abutment 995 A is adjacent to the third contact surface 995 B. The first actuating member 993 is contactable with the actuation abutment 995 A in a state where the first actuating member 993 is in contact with the third contact surface 995 B. The first actuation biasing element 994 is mounted to the first input member 992 to bias the first actuating member 993 to keep in contact with the third contact surface 995 B. In this state, the pivotal movement of the first operating body 942 is transmitted to the first take-up member 995 via the first input member 992 and the first actuating member 993 .

The first take-up member 995 includes a stopper 995 C and a receiving portion 995 D. The stopper 995 C is contactable with the stop pin 987 C. The receiving portion 995 D is contactable with the first actuating member 993 . The first take-up member 995 is at an additional rest position P 991 in a state where the stopper 995 C is in contact with the stop pin 987 C. The first input member 992 is at a rest position in a state where the receiving portion 995 D is in contact with the first actuating member 993 . The first mechanical control cable C 1 is at the first cable rest position P 971 in a state where the first take-up member 995 is at the additional rest position P 991 .

As seen in FIG. 21 , the first operating structure 68 maintains a position of the first mechanical control cable C 1 at the first cable rest position P 971 relative to the base member 40 in response to the movement of the first operating member 42 . Specifically, the first operating structure 68 maintains a position of the first mechanical control cable C 1 at the first cable rest position P 971 relative to the base member 40 in response to a simultaneous movement of the first and the second operating members 42 and 44 . The first operating structure 68 maintains a position of the inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 at the first cable rest position P 971 relative to the base member 40 in response to the simultaneous movement of the first and the second operating members 42 and 44 .

As seen in FIGS. 18 and 19 , the bicycle operating device 12 comprises a prevention member 97 . The prevention member 97 is configured to move together with the second operating member 44 to prevent the first actuating member 993 from actuating the first take-up member 995 to move in at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 during a movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . In this embodiment, the prevention member 97 is configured to move together with the second operating member 44 to prevent the first actuating member 993 from actuating the first take-up member 995 to move in the first pulling actuation direction D 71 during the movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . The prevention member 97 is in contact with the first actuating member 993 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 9 of 21

As seen in FIG. 19 , the prevention member 97 includes a first cam 97 A to move the first actuating member 993 from the first actuation position P 981 to the first non-actuation position P 982 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 from the second rest position P 951 toward the second operated position P 952 . The first cam 97 A is provided at the second operating member 44 . In this embodiment, the first cam 97 A is provided at the second input member 987 of the second operating member 44 . The prevention member 97 is integrally provided with the second input member 987 as a one-piece unitary member. However, the prevention member 97 can be a separate member from the second input member 987 .

As seen in FIG. 20 , the first actuating member 993 includes a contact part 993 B extending toward the prevention member 97 in an axial direction D 8 parallel to the first actuation pivot axis A 96 . The first cam 97 A is in contact with the contact part 993 B. As seen in FIG. 10 , the prevention member 97 is partly provided between the first actuating member 993 and the second actuating member 988 . In this embodiment, the prevention member 97 is partly provided between the first actuating member 993 and the second actuating member 988 in the axial direction D 8 .

As seen in FIG. 19 , the prevention member 97 pivots the first actuating member 993 relative to the first input member 992 about the first actuation pivot axis A 96 when the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 about the rotational axis A 97 . The prevention member 97 keeps the first actuating member 993 at the first non-actuation position P 982 when the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 by a pivotal angle AG 1 . The pivotal angle AG 1 is defined by a clearance CL 1 defined between the first operating body 942 and the first transmission part 992 A. The first actuating member 993 is not contactable with the actuation abutment 995 A even when the first input member 992 is pivoted about the rotational axis A 97 in a state where the first actuating member 993 is positioned at the first non-actuation position P 982 by the prevention member 97 .

Namely, the first take-up member 995 is stationary relative to the base member 40 when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are pivoted together relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 . Thus, the first mechanical control cable C 1 is not pulled when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are pivoted together relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 . The first mechanical control cable C 1 is pulled when only the first operating member 42 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 .

The pulling and releasing operation of the bicycle operating device 12 for the first mechanical control cable C 1 will be described in detail below referring to FIGS. 22 to 24 . FIG. 22 shows the bicycle operating device 12 in a non-operated state where the illustrated parts are in their rest positions. FIGS. 22 to 24 show the parts of the bicycle operating device 12 that are sequentially moved as the first operating member 42 is pivoted from the first rest position P 21 to the first operated position P 22 to perform the pulling operation of the first mechanical control cable C 1 .

As seen in FIGS. 22 and 23 , when the first operating body 942 is pivoted by the user relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 , the first transmission part 992 A of the first input member 992 is pushed by the first operating body 942 . Thus, the first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 while the second operating member 44 (i.e., the second operating body 944 and the second input member 987 ) is stationary relative to the base member 40 . This brings the first actuating member 993 into engagement with the actuation abutment 995 A of the first take-up member 995 .

As seen in FIGS. 23 and 24 , when the first operating member 42 (i.e., the first operating body 942 and the first input member 992 ) is further pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 , the first take-up member 995 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 . Thus, the inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 is pulled from the first cable rest position P 971 in the first pulling direction D 31 in response to the pivotal movement of the first operating member 42 .

As seen in FIG. 24 , a contact part 992 B ( FIGS. 10 and 24 ) of the first input member 992 comes into contact with a receiving part 982 C 1 ( FIGS. 10 and 24 ) of the support structure 982 when the first operating member 42 reaches the first operated position P 22 . Thus, the first input member 992 is mechanically positioned at the first rest position P 21 . On the other hand, the first input member 992 is not mechanically positioned at the first operated position P 22 . The first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 without being mechanically positioned at the first operated position P 22 . Thus, the first input member 992 is mechanically positioned at only one end of a rotational range defined by a rotational angle of the first input member 992 . When the first operating member 42 is returned to the first rest position P 21 by removing or reducing an operation force applied from the user to the first operating member 42 , the inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 is released (returned) to the first cable rest position P 971 in the first releasing direction D 32 .

The pulling operation of the bicycle operating device 12 for the second mechanical control cable C 2 will be described in detail below referring to FIGS. 12 and 25 to 30 . FIG. 12 shows the bicycle operating device 12 in a non-operated state where the illustrated parts are in their rest positions. FIGS. 25 to 30 show the parts of the bicycle operating device 12 that are sequentially moved as the second operating member 44 is pivoted from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 and then back to the second rest position P 951 to perform the pulling operation of the second mechanical control cable C 2 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 10 of 21

Specifically, as seen in FIG. 25 , when the second operating body 944 is pivoted by the user relative to the base member 40 about the second pivot axis A 2 from the second rest position P 951 toward the second operated position P 952 , the first operating body 942 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 together with the second operating body 944 in the first direction D 51 since the operating abutment 44 C ( FIG. 8 ) is in contact with the first operating body 942 . At this time, the second transmission part 987 A of the second input member 987 is pushed in the first direction D 51 with the additional operating abutment 943 A of the second operating body 944 . Thus, the first operating body 942 , the second operating body 944 , and the second input member 987 are pivoted together relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 .

As seen in FIG. 19 , however, the first transmission part 992 A of the first input member 992 is spaced apart from the first operating body 942 by the clearance CL 1 . Thus, as seen in FIGS. 25 and 26 , the first input member 992 is stationary relative to the base member 40 while the first operating body 942 , the second operating body 944 , and the second input member 987 are pivoted together relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 by the pivotal angle AG 1 ( FIG. 26 ). This causes the prevention member 97 to move the first actuating member 993 from the first actuation position P 981 to the first non-actuation position P 982 . The first actuating member 993 is not engageable with the actuation abutment 995 A of the first take-up member 995 in a state where the first actuating member 993 is at the first non-actuation position P 982 . Thus, the first take-up member 995 is stationary relative to the base member 40 even if the first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the first take-up member 995 in the first direction D 51 together with the first operating body 942 , the second operating body 944 , and the second input member 987 .

As seen in FIG. 27 , the second input member 987 , the first operating body 942 , and the first input member 992 are integrally pivoted relative to the base member 40 together with the second operating body 944 in the first direction D 51 when the second operating body 944 is further pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 . The second actuating member 988 comes into engagement with the actuation abutment 976 A of the second take-up member 976 in response to the pivotal movement of the second input member 987 . Thus, the second take-up member 976 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 from the first control position P 941 toward the second control position P 942 in the second pulling actuation direction D 61 . The inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 is pulled in the second pulling direction D 41 in response to the pivotal movement of the second operating member 44 .

As seen in FIG. 28 , the positioning member 980 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the positioning pivot axis A 94 by the second positioning abutment 985 in response to the pivotal movement of the second take-up member 976 .

As seen in FIG. 29 , the positioning member 980 is returned to an engagement position by the biasing force of the first biasing element 981 when the second take-up member 976 is further pivoted relative to the base member 40 beyond the second control position P 942 in the first direction D 51 . In this state, the positioning member 980 is disposed between the second positioning abutment 985 and the release pawl 990 B.

As seen in FIG. 30 , the second input member 987 , the first operating body 942 , and the first input member 992 are returned to their rest positions when the second operating member 44 is returned to the second rest position P 951 . At this time, the second take-up member 976 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the second direction D 52 , bringing the positioning member 980 into engagement with the second positioning abutment 985 . Thus, the second take-up member 976 is positioned at the second control position P 942 relative to the base member 40 , positioning the inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 at a cable operated position.

The releasing operation of the bicycle operating device 12 for the second mechanical control cable C 2 will be described in detail below referring to FIGS. 30 to 33 . As seen in FIGS. 30 and 31 , the second actuating member 988 is positioned at the second additional actuation position P 962 by the second contact surface 976 C in a state where the second take-up member 976 is at the second control position P 942 . This allows the second actuating member 988 to come into contact with the release abutment 990 A of the release member 990 when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 .

As seen in FIG. 32 , the release member 990 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . At this time, the second actuating member 988 is not engaged with the actuation abutment 976 A of the second take-up member 976 .

As seen in FIG. 33 , the positioning member 980 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 to move away from the second positioning abutment 985 when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are further pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . This allows the second take-up member 976 to pivot relative to the base member 40 in the second direction D 52 by the biasing force of the control biasing element 986 . Thus, a guide surface 976 D of the second take-up member 976 guides the second actuating member 988 to the second actuation position P 962 in response to the pivotal movement of the second take-up member 976 . This brings the second actuating member 988 into engagement with the actuation abutment 976 A to stop the pivotal movement of the second take-up member 976 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 11 of 21

As seen in FIG. 34 , the positioning member 980 is disengaged from the release abutment 990 A when the second actuating member 988 is pivoted to the second actuation position P 962 . This allows the release member 990 to return to the rest position by the biasing force of the first biasing element 981 via the positioning member 980 . The release member 990 is stopped by the first protrusion 990 C and the stop pin 987 C at the rest position.

As seen in FIG. 12 , the second input member 987 , the first operating body 942 , and the first input member 992 are returned to their rest positions when the second operating body 944 is returned to the second rest position P 951 . At this time, the second take-up member 976 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the second direction D 52 , bringing the positioning member 980 into engagement with the first positioning abutment 984 . Thus, the second take-up member 976 is positioned at the first control position P 941 relative to the base member 40 , positioning the inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 at a cable rest position.

The bicycle operating device 12 includes the following features.

(1) The prevention member 97 is configured to move together with the second operating member 44 to prevent the first actuating member 993 from actuating the first take-up member 995 to move in at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 during a movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . When the second operating member 44 is moved relative to the base member 40 , the prevention member 97 is moved together with the second operating member 44 relative to the base member 40 . Thus, the prevention member 97 prevents the first actuating member 993 from actuating the first take-up member 995 to move in the at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 during the movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . Accordingly, it is possible to separately operate the first bicycle component B 9 and a second bicycle component B 85 via the first mechanical control cable C 1 and the second mechanical control cable C 2 even when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are simultaneously moved relative to the base member 40 . This improves operability of the bicycle operating device 12 . Furthermore, it is possible to arrange the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 to interfere with each other in an operating direction of the first and second operating members 42 and 44 . This makes the bicycle operating device 12 compact with improving the operability of the bicycle operating device 12 .

(2) The second operating member 44 includes the operating abutment 44 C contactable with the first operating member 42 . Accordingly, it is possible to move the first operating member 42 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 in a state where the operating abutment 44 C is in contact with the first operating member 42 . At this time, the prevention member 97 and the first operating member 42 move together with the second operating member 44 . This prevents the first actuating member 993 from actuating the first take-up member 995 to move in the at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 during the movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 .

(3) The operating abutment 44 C has the abutment path PT 1 defined from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 . The first operating member 42 is on the abutment path PT 1 to come into contact with the operating abutment 44 C during the movement of the second operating member 44 from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 . Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a total space in which the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 move relative to the base member 40 .

(4) The operating abutment 44 C contacts the first operating member 42 in a state where the second operating member 44 is at the second rest position P 951 . Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a total space in which the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 move relative to the base member 40 .

(5) The first take-up member 995 is rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . The second take-up member 976 is rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . Accordingly, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device 12 compact since the first take-up member 995 and the second take-up member 976 are rotatable relative to the base member 40 about the same rotational axis A 97 .

(6) The first operating structure 68 and the second operating structure 70 are at least partly disposed in the internal space 40 A. The internal space 40 A protects the first operating structure 68 and the second operating structure 70 .

(7) The first actuating member 993 is movable relative to the first operating member 42 between the first actuation position P 981 at which the movement of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the first take-up member 995 via the first actuating member 993 , and the first non-actuation position P 982 at which the movement of the first operating member 42 is not transmitted to the first take-up member 995 via the first actuating member 993 . The first non-actuation position P 982 is farther from the first take-up member 995 than the first actuation position P 981 . Accordingly, it is possible to transmit the movement of the first operating member 42 to the first take-up member 995 via the first actuating member 993 and to prevent the movement of the first operating member 42 from being transmitted to the first take-up member 995 via the first actuating member 993 in accordance with a position of the first actuating member 993 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 12 of 21

(8) The prevention member 97 includes the first cam 97 A to move the first actuating member 993 from the first actuation position P 981 to the first non-actuation position P 982 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 from the second rest position P 951 toward the second operated position P 952 . Accordingly, it is possible to change the position of the first actuating member 993 by using the first cam 97 A of the prevention member 97 . Thus, the prevention member 97 and the first actuating member 993 can prevent the movement of the first operating member 42 from being transmitted to the first take-up member 995 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 .

(9) The first cam 97 A is provided at the second operating member 44 . Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the structure of the first operating member 42 and the prevention member 97 .

(10) The prevention member 97 is partly provided between the first actuating member 993 and the second actuating member 988 . Accordingly, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device 12 compact.

(11) The first actuating member 993 is pivotably coupled to the first operating member 42 about the first actuation pivot axis A 96 . The first actuating member 993 includes the contact part 993 B extending toward the prevention member 97 in the axial direction D 8 parallel to the first actuation pivot axis A 96 . Accordingly, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device 12 compact.

(12) The second operating structure 70 includes the second positioning structure 78 to position the second take-up member 976 at the plurality of control positions. The first operating structure 68 is configured such that the first take-up member 995 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 without mechanically positioning the first mechanical control cable C 1 relative to the base member 40 during a movement of the first operating member 42 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 . Accordingly, it is possible to separately operate the first bicycle component B 9 having only two actuated positions and the second bicycle component B 85 having a plurality of actuated positions.

(13) The switching structure 66 is configured to actuate the first bicycle component B 9 in response to the movement of the first operating member 42 and to actuate the second bicycle component B 85 in response to the simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members 42 and 44 resulting from the abutment between the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 . Accordingly, it is possible to separately operate the first bicycle component B 9 and the second bicycle component B 85 by using the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 .

Second Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 212 in accordance with a second embodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 35 to 64 . The bicycle operating device 212 has the same structures as those of the bicycle operating device 12 except for the first operating structure and the second operating structure. Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment will be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 35 to 39 , the bicycle operating device 212 comprises the base member 40 , the first operating member 42 , and the second operating member 44 . As seen in FIG. 38 , the first operating member 42 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 to actuate a first bicycle component. In this embodiment, the first operating member 42 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 to actuate the front derailleur B 85 provided as the first bicycle component. However, the bicycle operating device 212 can be operatively coupled to other bicycle components such as the rear derailleur B 84 and the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 . In this embodiment, the front derailleur B 85 can also be referred to as the first bicycle component B 85 .

As seen in FIG. 39 , the second operating member 44 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 to actuate a second bicycle component that is different from the first bicycle component B 85 . In this embodiment, the second operating member 44 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 to actuate the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 provided as the second bicycle component. However, the bicycle operating device 212 can be operatively coupled to other bicycle components such as the rear derailleur B 84 and the front derailleur B 85 . In this embodiment, the adjustable seatpost assembly B 9 can also be referred to as the second bicycle component B 9 .

As seen in FIG. 37 , the bicycle operating device 212 comprises a switching structure 266 . The switching structure 266 is configured to actuate the first bicycle component B 85 in response to a movement of the first operating member 42 . The switching structure 266 is configured to actuate the second bicycle component B 9 in response to a simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members 42 and 44 resulting from an abutment between the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 . In this embodiment, the switching structure 266 includes a mechanical structure. However, the switching structure 266 can include a hydraulic unit or an electrical component instead of or in addition to the mechanical structure.

In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 212 comprises a first operating structure 268 and a second operating structure 270 . The switching structure 266 includes a part of the first operating structure 268 and a part of the second operating structure 270 . The first operating structure 268 and the second operating structure 270 are mounted on the third shaft 72 . The first operating structure 268 and the second operating structure 270 are at least partly disposed in the internal space 40 A. However, at least one of the first operating structure 268 and the second operating structure 270 can be disposed outside the internal space 40 A.

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 13 of 21

As seen in FIGS. 40 to 42 , the first operating structure 268 comprises a first take-up member 1076 , the first operating member 42 , and a first actuating member 1088 . The first take-up member 1076 is movable relative to the base member 40 to move the first mechanical control cable C 1 in the first pulling direction D 31 and the first releasing direction D 32 opposite to the first pulling direction D 31 . In this embodiment, the first take-up member 1076 is coupled to the first operating member 42 to move the first mechanical control cable C 1 relative to the base member 40 in the first pulling direction D 31 and the first releasing direction D 32 opposite to the first pulling direction D 31 in response to the movement of the first operating member 42 . An end of the inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 is coupled to the first take-up member 1076 .

In this embodiment, the first take-up member 1076 is rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . However, the first take-up member 1076 can be rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about another rotational axis different from the rotational axis A 97 .

The first take-up member 1076 has substantially the same structure as that of the second take-up member 976 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the first take-up member 1076 includes the cable attachment part 983 , the first positioning abutment 984 , the second positioning abutment 985 , the control biasing element 986 , the actuation abutment 976 A, the first contact surface 976 B, and the second contact surface 976 C. Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 40 and 41 , the first actuating member 1088 is operatively coupled with the first take-up member 1076 to actuate the first take-up member 1076 to move in at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 . In this embodiment, the first actuating member 1088 is operatively coupled with the first take-up member 1076 to actuate the first take-up member 1076 to move in the first pulling actuation direction D 71 . However, the first actuating member 1088 can be operatively coupled with the first take-up member 1076 to actuate the first take-up member 1076 to move in the first releasing actuation direction D 72 or both the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 .

As seen in FIG. 43 , the first actuating member 1088 is movable relative to the first operating member 42 between a first actuation position P 1061 and a first non-actuation position P 1062 . At the first actuation position P 1061 , the movement of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 via the first actuating member 1088 . At the first non-actuation position P 1062 , the movement of the first operating member 42 is not transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 via the first actuating member 1088 . The first non-actuation position P 1062 is farther from the first take-up member 1076 than the first actuation position P 1061 .

As seen in FIGS. 41 and 42 , the first actuating member 1088 is attached to the first operating member 42 . The first actuating member 1088 is pivotally coupled to the first operating member 42 about an actuation pivot axis A 105 . In this embodiment, the first actuating member 1088 is pivotally coupled to the first input member 992 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 . Specifically, the first actuating member 1088 is pivotally coupled to the first input member 992 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 via a pivot pin 1088 A. The first actuating member 1088 includes a first actuation pawl contactable with the first take-up member 1076 . The first operating structure 268 includes an actuation biasing member 1089 . The actuation biasing member 1089 is mounted to the first input member 992 to bias the first actuating member 1088 to keep in contact with the first take-up member 1076 .

As seen in FIGS. 42 and 43 , the first operating structure 268 includes a first positioning structure 278 to position the first take-up member 1076 at a plurality of control positions. The first positioning structure 278 is configured to selectively maintain the first take-up member 1076 at the plurality of control positions.

The first positioning structure 278 is coupled to the first take-up member 1076 to position the first take-up member 1076 relative to the base member 40 at each of the first control position P 941 and the second control position P 942 relative to the base member 40 . In this embodiment, the first positioning structure 278 is coupled to the first take-up member 1076 to position the first take-up member 1076 relative to the base member 40 at each of only two control positions (the first control position P 941 and the second control position P 942 ) relative to the base member 40 . However, the total number of the control positions is not limited to this embodiment and it can be three and more.

The inner wire C 12 is pulled relative to the outer casing C 11 and the base member 40 when the first take-up member 1076 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 from the first control position P 941 to the second control position P 942 . The inner wire C 12 is released (returned) relative to the outer casing C 11 and the base member 40 when the first take-up member 1076 is returned relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 from the second control position P 942 to the first control position P 941 .

As seen in FIG. 43 , the first take-up member 1076 is configured to pull the first mechanical control cable C 1 when the first operating member 42 is moved relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . The first take-up member 1076 is configured to release the first mechanical control cable C 1 when the first operating member 42 is moved relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . In other words, a movement direction of the first operating member 42 to pull the first mechanical control cable C 1 is the same as a movement direction of the first operating member 42 to release the first mechanical control cable C 1 . However, the movement directions of the first operating member 42 to pull and release the first mechanical control cable C 1 can be different from each other. For example, the movement direction of the first operating member 42 to pull the first mechanical control cable C 1 can be the first direction D 51 and the movement direction of the first operating member 42 to release the first mechanical control cable C 1 can be the second direction D 52 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 14 of 21

Specifically, the first positioning structure 278 is coupled to the first operating member 42 to move the first take-up member 1076 such that the first mechanical control cable C 1 is moved in the second pulling direction D 41 and the second releasing direction D 42 alternatingly in response to the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 .

As seen in FIGS. 40 to 43 , the first positioning structure 278 has substantially the same structure as that of the second positioning structure 78 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the first positioning structure 278 includes the positioning member 980 , the first biasing element 981 , and the release member 990 . Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 41 and 43 , the first take-up member 1076 is positioned at the first control position P 941 in a state where the positioning member 980 is in contact with the first positioning abutment 984 . As seen in FIGS. 44 and 45 , the first take-up member 1076 is positioned at the second control position P 942 in a state where the positioning member 980 is in contact with the second positioning abutment 985 . The actuation biasing member 1089 biases the first actuating member 1088 toward the first take-up member 1076 .

As seen in FIGS. 41 and 43 , the first actuating member 1088 keeps in contact with the first contact surface 976 B in a state where the first take-up member 1076 is positioned at the first control position P 941 because of a biasing force of the actuation biasing member 1089 . The first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first actuation position P 1061 in a state where the first actuating member 1088 is in contact with the first contact surface 976 B. The first actuating member 1088 is contactable with the actuation abutment 976 A in a state where the first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first actuation position P 1061 . In this state, the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 via the second input member 987 and the first actuating member 1088 .

As seen in FIGS. 44 and 45 , the first actuating member 1088 keeps in contact with the second contact surface 976 C of the first take-up member 1076 in a state where the first take-up member 1076 is positioned at the second control position P 942 because of the biasing force of the actuation biasing member 1089 . The first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first non-actuation position P 1062 in a state where the first actuating member 1088 is in contact with the second contact surface 976 C. The first actuating member 1088 is not contactable with the actuation abutment 976 A in a state where the first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first non-actuation position P 1062 because of an enough distance between the first actuating member 1088 and the actuation abutment 976 A. In this state, the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 is not transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 via the second input member 987 and the first actuating member 1088 .

As seen in FIGS. 46 and 47 , the first actuating member 1088 is contactable with the release abutment 990 A in a state where the first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first non-actuation position P 1062 . The release pawl 990 B is contactable with the positioning member 980 in a state where the first actuating member 1088 is engaged with one of the first positioning abutment 984 and the second positioning abutment 985 . In this state, the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the release member 990 via the first operating member 42 and the first actuating member 1088 . This pivots the positioning member 980 about the positioning pivot axis A 94 against a biasing force of the first biasing element 981 to move away from the first take-up member 1076 . The positioning member 980 is not contactable with the second positioning abutment 985 in a state where the release pawl 990 B moves the positioning member 980 away from the first take-up member 1076 . However, the positioning member 980 is contactable with the first positioning abutment 984 in the state where the release pawl 990 B moves the positioning member 980 away from the first take-up member 1076 .

The first actuating member 1088 is spaced apart from the actuation abutment 976 A in a state where the first take-up member 1076 is positioned at the second control position P 942 . The first actuating member 1088 is not contactable with the actuation abutment 976 A in the state where the first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first actuation position P 1061 . In this state, the first movement M 1 of the first operating member 42 is not transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 via the second input member 987 and the first actuating member 1088 .

As seen in FIGS. 48 and 51 , the second operating structure 270 comprises a second take-up member 1095 , the second operating member 44 , and a second actuating member 1093 . The second take-up member 1095 is movable relative to the base member 40 to move the second mechanical control cable C 2 in the second pulling direction D 41 and the second releasing direction D 42 opposite to the second pulling direction D 41 . In this embodiment, the second take-up member 1095 is coupled to the second operating member 44 to move the second mechanical control cable C 2 relative to the base member 40 in the second pulling direction D 41 and the second releasing direction D 42 opposite to the second pulling direction D 41 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 . An end of the inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 is coupled to the second take-up member 1095 .

In this embodiment, the second take-up member 1095 is rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . As seen in FIG. 37 , the rotational axis A 97 coincides with the first pivot axis A 1 and the second pivot axis A 2 in the state where the second operating member 44 is at the brake rest position P 31 . However, the rotational axis A 97 can be offset from the first pivot axis A 1 and the second pivot axis A 2 in the state where the second operating member 44 is at the brake rest position P 31 . In this embodiment, the second take-up member 1095 has substantially the same structure as that of the first take-up member 995 of the first embodiment.

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 15 of 21

As seen in FIG. 48 , the second actuating member 1093 is operatively coupled with the second take-up member 1095 to actuate the second take-up member 1095 to move in at least one of the second pulling actuation direction D 61 and the second releasing actuation direction D 62 . In this embodiment, the second actuating member 1093 is operatively coupled with the second take-up member 1095 to actuate the second take-up member 1095 to move in the second pulling actuation direction D 61 and the second releasing actuation direction D 62 . However, the second actuating member 1093 can be operatively coupled with the second take-up member 1095 to actuate the second take-up member 1095 to move in one of the second pulling actuation direction D 61 and the second releasing actuation direction D 62 .

As seen in FIGS. 48 to 51 , the second operating structure 270 is configured such that the second take-up member 1095 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 without mechanically positioning the second mechanical control cable C 2 relative to the base member 40 during the movement of the second operating member 44 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 .

The second operating structure 270 moves the second mechanical control cable C 2 from a second cable rest position P 1071 relative to the base member 40 in response to a simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members 42 and 44 . In this embodiment, the second operating structure 270 moves the second mechanical control cable C 2 from the second cable rest position P 1071 relative to the base member 40 in response to the simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members 42 and 44 .

As seen in FIG. 51 , the second actuating member 1093 is movable relative to the first operating member 42 between a second actuation position P 1082 and a second non-actuation position P 1081 . At the second actuation position P 1082 , the movement of the second operating member 44 is transmitted to the second take-up member 1095 via the second actuating member 1093 . At the second non-actuation position P 1081 , the movement of the second operating member 44 is not transmitted to the second take-up member 1095 via the second actuating member 1093 . The second non-actuating position P 1081 is farther from the second take-up member 1095 than the second actuation position P 1082 .

The second actuating member 1093 is operatively coupled with the second take-up member 1095 to actuate the second take-up member 1095 to move in at least one of the second pulling actuation direction D 61 and the second releasing actuation direction D 62 . In this embodiment, the second actuating member 1093 is operatively coupled with the second take-up member 1095 to actuate the second take-up member 1095 to move in the second pulling actuation direction D 61 . However, the second actuating member 1093 can be operatively coupled with the second take-up member 1095 to actuate the second take-up member 1095 to move in the second releasing actuation direction D 62 or both the second pulling actuation direction D 61 and the second releasing actuation direction D 62 .

The first actuating member 1088 and the second actuating member 1093 are attached to the first operating member 42 . The second actuating member 1093 is pivotally coupled to the first operating member 42 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 . In this embodiment, the second actuating member 1093 is pivotally coupled to the first input member 992 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 via the pivot pin 1088 A. Namely, the first actuating member 1088 and the second actuating member 1093 are pivotally coupled to the first input member 992 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 via the pivot pin 1088 A.

As seen in FIG. 50 , the second actuating member 1093 includes a first actuation pawl contactable with the second take-up member 1095 . The actuation biasing member 1089 is mounted to the first operating member 42 to bias the first actuation member 1088 toward the first actuation position P 1061 and to bias the second actuating member 1093 toward the second non-actuation position P 1081 . Namely, the second operating structure 270 includes the actuation biasing member 1089 to bias the second actuating member 1093 toward the second non-actuation position P 1081 . The actuation biasing member 1089 is shared by the first operating structure 268 and the second operating structure 270 .

As seen in FIGS. 48 and 49 , the bicycle operating device 212 comprises a prevention member 297 . The prevention member 297 is configured to move together with the second operating member 44 to prevent the first actuating member 1088 from actuating the first take-up member 1076 to move in at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 during a movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . In this embodiment, the prevention member 297 is configured to move together with the second operating member 44 to prevent the first actuating member 1088 from actuating the first take-up member 1076 to move in the first pulling actuation direction D 71 during the movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . The prevention member 297 is in contact with the first actuating member 1088 .

As seen in FIG. 49 , the prevention member 297 includes a first cam 297 A to move the first actuating member 1088 from the first actuation position P 1061 to the first non-actuation position P 1062 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 from the second rest position P 951 toward the second operated position P 952 . The first cam 297 A is provided at the second operating member 44 . In this embodiment, the first cam 297 A is provided at the second input member 987 of the second operating member 44 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 16 of 21

As seen in FIG. 40 , the prevention member 297 is partly disposed between the first actuating member 1088 and the second actuating member 1093 . In this embodiment, the prevention member 297 is partly provided between the first actuating member 1088 and the second actuating member 1093 in the axial direction D 8 .

As seen in FIG. 49 , the prevention member 297 pivots the first actuating member 1088 relative to the first input member 992 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 when the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 about the rotational axis A 97 . The prevention member 297 keeps the first actuating member 1088 at the first non-actuation position P 1062 when the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 by the pivotal angle AG 1 . The first actuating member 1088 is not contactable with the actuation abutment 976 A ( FIG. 45 ) even when the first input member 992 is pivoted about the rotational axis A 97 in a state where the first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first non-actuation position P 1062 by the prevention member 297 .

Namely, the first take-up member 1076 is stationary relative to the base member 40 when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are pivoted together relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 . Thus, the first mechanical control cable C 1 is not pulled when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are pivoted together relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 . The first mechanical control cable C 1 is pulled when only the first operating member 42 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 .

As seen in FIGS. 50 and 51 , the first input member 992 includes a stopper 1092 B. The actuation biasing member 1089 biases the second actuating member 1093 to keep in contact with the stopper 1092 B. In this state, the stopper 1092 B positions the second actuating member 1093 at the second non-actuation position P 1081 ( FIG. 51 ).

The second take-up member 1095 includes an actuation abutment 1095 A. The second actuating member 1093 is provided radially outward of the actuation abutment 1095 A in a state where the second actuating member 1093 is at the second non-actuation position P 1081 . Thus, the second actuating member 1093 is not contactable with the actuation abutment 1095 A in a state where the second actuating member 1093 is at the second non-actuation position P 1081 even if the first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . Thus, the first mechanical control cable C 1 is pulled when the first operating member 42 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 without a pivotal movement of the second operating member 44 . The first mechanical control cable C 1 is released (returned) when the first operating member 42 is returned to the first rest position P 21 .

As seen in FIG. 52 , the second operating structure 270 includes a second cam 299 to move the second actuating member 1093 to the second actuation position P 1082 . In this embodiment, the second cam 299 is provided at the second operating member 44 . However, the second cam 299 can be provided at other members other than the second operating member 44 . The second cam 299 is provided at the second operating member 44 to move the second actuating member 1093 in response to the movement of the relative movement between the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 .

The second actuating member 1093 includes an actuated part 1093 A. The second cam 299 is spaced apart from the actuated part 1093 A in a state where the first and second operating members 42 and 44 are respectively positioned at the first and second rest positions P 21 and P 951 . The second cam 299 pushes the actuated part 1093 A when the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 by the pivotal angle AG 1 . This pivots the second actuating member 1093 relative to the first input member 992 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 from the second non-actuation position P 1081 to the second actuation position P 1082 ( FIG. 51 ). The second actuating member 1093 is contactable with the actuation abutment 1095 A in a state where the second actuating member 1093 is at the second actuation position P 1082 .

As seen in FIG. 49 , the first cam 297 A moves the first actuating member 1088 away from the first take-up member 1076 when the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 by the pivotal angle AG 1 . This pivots the first actuating member 1088 relative to the first input member 992 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 from the first actuation position P 1061 to a first additional actuation position P 1063 . The first actuating member 1088 is provided radially outward of the actuation abutment 976 A. Thus, the first actuating member 1088 is not contactable with the actuation abutment 976 A when the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 by the pivotal angle AG 1 .

As seen in FIG. 45 , the first actuating member 1088 comes into contact with the second contact surface 976 C because of the biasing force of the actuation biasing member 1089 when the first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the second input member 987 by a pivotal angle AG 3 in the first direction D 51 in a state where the first take-up member 1076 is positioned at the second control position P 942 . In this state, the first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first actuation position P 1061 . For example, the pivotal angle AG 3 is larger than the pivotal angle AG 1 ( FIG. 49 ).

As seen in FIGS. 46 and 47 , the first actuating member 1088 is contactable with the release abutment 990 A before the first actuating member 1088 comes into contact with the actuation abutment 976 A in a state where the first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first actuation position P 1061 ( FIG. 45 ). In this state, the first movement M 1 of the second operating member 44 is transmitted to the release member 990 via the first input member 992 and the first actuating member 1088 . This pivots the positioning member 980 about the positioning pivot axis A 94 against a biasing force of the first biasing element 981 to move away from the first take-up member 1076 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 17 of 21

The pulling and releasing operation of the bicycle operating device 212 for the second mechanical control cable C 2 will be described in detail below referring to FIGS. 53 to 58 . FIG. 53 shows the bicycle operating device 212 in a non-operated state where the illustrated parts are in their rest positions. FIGS. 53 to 58 show the parts of the bicycle operating device 212 that are sequentially moved as the second operating member 44 is pivoted from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 to perform the pulling operation of the second mechanical control cable C 2 .

Specifically, as seen in FIGS. 53 and 54 , when the second operating member 44 is pivoted by the user relative to the base member 40 about the second pivot axis A 2 from the second rest position P 951 toward the second operated position P 952 , the second transmission part 987 A of the second input member 987 is pushed toward the first operating member 42 by the additional operating abutment 943 A of the second operating member 44 . At this time, the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 by the pivotal angle AG 1 ( FIG. 49 ). This pivots the first actuating member 1088 from the first actuation position P 1061 to the first non-actuation position P 1062 . This prevents the first actuating member 1088 from being engaged with the actuation abutment 976 A of the first take-up member 1076 even if the first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the first take-up member 1076 in the first direction D 51 .

Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 55 , the second cam 299 moves the actuated part 1093 A to pivot the second actuating member 1093 when the second input member 987 is pivoted relative to the first input member 992 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 by the pivotal angle AG 1 ( FIG. 43 ). This allows the second actuating member 1093 to be engaged with the actuation abutment 1095 A when the first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 .

As seen in FIGS. 56 and 57 , the second input member 987 , the first input member 992 , and the second operating member 44 are integrally pivoted relative to the base member 40 together with the first operating member 42 in the first direction D 51 when the first operating member 42 is further pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 in the first direction D 51 . This pivots the second take-up member 1095 relative to the base member 40 from the additional rest position P 991 in the first direction D 51 while the first take-up member 1076 is at the first control position P 941 . Thus, the inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 is pulled when the second operating member 44 and the first operating member 42 are pivoted together relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 . When the second operating member 44 is returned to the second rest position P 951 by removing or reducing an operation force applied from the user to the second operating member 44 , the inner wire C 22 of the second mechanical control cable C 2 is released (returned) to the second cable rest position P 1071 .

The pulling operation of the bicycle operating device 212 for the first mechanical control cable C 1 will be described in detail below referring to FIGS. 43 and 58 to 60 . FIG. 43 shows the bicycle operating device 212 in a non-operated state where the illustrated parts are in their rest positions. FIGS. 58 to 63 show the parts of the bicycle operating device 212 that are sequentially moved as the first operating member 42 is pivoted from the first rest position P 21 to the first operated position P 22 and then back to the first rest position P 21 to perform the pulling operation of the first mechanical control cable C 1 .

As seen in FIGS. 43 and 58 , when the first operating body 942 is pivoted by the user relative to the base member 40 about the first pivot axis A 1 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 , the first transmission part 992 A of the first input member 992 is pushed by the first operating body 942 . Thus, the first input member 992 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 while the second operating member 44 (i.e., the second operating body 944 and the second input member 987 ) are stationary relative to the base member 40 . This brings the first actuating member 1088 into engagement with the actuation abutment 976 A of the first take-up member 1076 .

As seen in FIGS. 59 and 60 , when the first operating member 42 (i.e., the first operating body 942 and the first input member 992 ) is further pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 , the first take-up member 1076 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 in the first direction D 51 . Thus, the inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 is pulled in response to the pivotal movement of the first operating member 42 . The first take-up member 1076 is positioned at the second control position P 942 relative to the base member 40 by the positioning member 980 and the second positioning abutment 985 . This positions the inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 at a cable operated position.

The releasing operation of the bicycle operating device 212 for the first mechanical control cable C 1 will be described in detail below referring to FIGS. 60 to 63 . As seen in FIG. 60 , the first actuating member 1088 is positioned at the first actuation position P 1061 by the second contact surface 976 C in a state where the first take-up member 1076 is at the second control position P 942 . This allows the first actuating member 1088 to come into contact with the release abutment 990 A of the release member 990 when the first operating member 42 and the first input member 992 are pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 18 of 21

As seen in FIG. 61 , the release member 990 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 when the first operating member 42 and the first input member 992 are pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . At this time, the first actuating member 1088 is not engaged with the actuation abutment 976 A.

As seen in FIGS. 61 and 62 , the positioning member 980 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 to move away from the second positioning abutment 985 when the first operating member 42 is further pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the first direction D 51 . This allows the first take-up member 1076 to pivot relative to the base member 40 in the second direction D 52 by the biasing force of the control biasing element 986 ( FIG. 42 ). Thus, a guide surface 276 D of the first take-up member 1076 guides the first actuating member 1088 to the first actuation position P 1061 in response to the pivotal movement of the first take-up member 1076 . This brings the first actuating member 1088 into engagement with the actuation abutment 976 A to stop the pivotal movement of the first take-up member 1076 .

As seen in FIG. 63 , the positioning member 980 is disengaged from the release abutment 990 A when the first actuating member 1088 is pivoted to the first actuation position P 1061 . This allows the release member 990 to return to the rest position by the biasing force of the first biasing element 981 via the positioning member 980 . The release member 990 is stopped by the first protrusion 990 C and the stop pin 987 C at the rest position.

As seen in FIGS. 53 and 63 , the second input member 987 , the first operating body 942 , and the first input member 992 are returned to their rest positions when the second operating body 944 is returned to the second rest position P 951 . At this time, the first take-up member 1076 is pivoted relative to the base member 40 in the second direction D 52 , bringing the positioning member 980 into engagement with the first positioning abutment 984 . Thus, the first take-up member 1076 is positioned at the first control position P 941 relative to the base member 40 , positioning the inner wire C 12 of the first mechanical control cable C 1 at a cable rest position.

The bicycle operating device 212 includes the following features.

(1) The prevention member 297 is configured to move together with the second operating member 44 to prevent the first actuating member 1088 from actuating the first take-up member 1076 to move in at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 during the movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . When the second operating member 44 is moved relative to the base member 40 , the prevention member 297 is moved together with the second operating member 44 relative to the base member 40 . Thus, the prevention member 297 prevents the first actuating member 1088 from actuating the first take-up member 1076 to move in the at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 during the movement of the first operating member 42 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 . Accordingly, it is possible to separately operate the first bicycle component B 85 and the second bicycle component B 9 via the first mechanical control cable C 1 and the second mechanical control cable C 2 even when the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 are simultaneously moved relative to the base member 40 . This improves operability of the bicycle operating device 212 .

(2) The first take-up member 1076 is rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . The second take-up member 1095 is rotatably coupled to the base member 40 about the rotational axis A 97 . Accordingly, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device 212 compact since the first take-up member 1076 and the second take-up member 1095 are rotatable relative to the base member 40 about the same rotational axis A 97 .

(3) The first operating structure 268 and the second operating structure 270 are at least partly disposed in the internal space 40 A. The base member 40 protects the first operating structure 268 and the second operating structure 270 .

(4) The first actuating member 1088 is movable relative to the first operating member 42 between the first actuation position P 1061 at which the movement of the first operating member 42 is transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 via the first actuating member 1088 , and the first non-actuation position P 1062 at which the movement of the first operating member 42 is not transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 via the first actuating member 1088 . The first non-actuation position P 1062 is farther from the first take-up member 1076 than the first actuation position P 1061 . Accordingly, it is possible to transmit the movement of the first operating member 42 to the first take-up member 1076 via the first actuating member 1088 and to prevent the movement of the first operating member 42 from being transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 via the first actuating member 1088 in accordance with a position of the first actuating member 1088 .

(5) The prevention member 297 includes the first cam 297 A to move the first actuating member 1088 from the first actuation position P 1061 to the first non-actuation position P 1062 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 from the second rest position P 951 toward the second operated position P 952 . Accordingly, it is possible to change the position of the first actuating member 1088 by using the first cam 297 A of the prevention member 297 . Thus, the prevention member 297 and the first actuating member 1088 can prevent the movement of the first operating member 42 from being transmitted to the first take-up member 1076 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 19 of 21

(6) The first cam 297 A is provided at the second operating member 44 . Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the structure of the first operating member 42 and the prevention member 297 .

(7) The second operating structure 270 includes the second actuating member 1093 operatively coupled with the second take-up member 1095 to actuate the second take-up member 1095 to move in at least one of the second pulling actuation direction D 61 and the second releasing actuation direction D 62 . The first actuating member 1088 and the second actuating member 1093 are attached to the first operating member 42 . Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the structure of at least one of the first operating member 42 , the first actuating member 1088 , and the second actuating member 1093 .

(8) The first actuating member 1088 is pivotally coupled to the first operating member 42 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 . The second actuating member 1093 is pivotally coupled to the first operating member 42 about the actuation pivot axis A 105 . Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the structure of at least one of the first operating member 42 , the first actuating member 1088 , and the second actuating member 1093 .

(9) The prevention member 297 is partly disposed between the first actuating member 1088 and the second actuating member 1093 . Accordingly, it is possible to make the bicycle operating device 212 compact.

(10) The second actuating member 1093 is movable relative to the first operating member 42 between the second actuation position P 1082 at which the movement of the second operating member 44 is transmitted to the second take-up member 1095 via the second actuating member 1093 , and the second non-actuation position P 1081 at which the movement of the second operating member 44 is not transmitted to the second take-up member 1095 via the second actuating member 1093 . The second non-actuating position P 1081 is farther from the second take-up member 1095 than the second actuation position P 1082 . Accordingly, it is possible to transmit the movement of the second operating member 44 to the second take-up member 1095 via the second actuating member 1093 and to prevent the movement of the second operating member 44 from being transmitted to the second take-up member 1095 via the second actuating member 1093 in accordance with a position of the second actuating member 1093 .

(11) The second operating structure 270 includes the actuation biasing member 1089 to bias the second actuating member 1093 toward the second non-actuation position P 1081 . Accordingly, it is possible to stabilize the position of the second operating member 44 at the second non-actuation position P 1081 .

(12) The second operating member 44 includes the second cam 299 to move the second actuating member 1093 to the second actuation position P 1082 . Accordingly, it is possible to change the position of the second actuating member 1093 in response to the movement of the second operating member 44 .

(13) The second cam 299 is provided at the second operating member 44 . Accordingly, it is possible to simplify the structure of the second operating member 44 .

(14) The first operating structure 268 includes the first positioning structure 278 to position the first take-up member 1076 at a plurality of control positions. The second operating structure 270 is configured such that the second take-up member 1095 is movable relative to the base member 40 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 without mechanically positioning the second mechanical control cable C 2 relative to the base member 40 during the movement of the second operating member 44 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 . Accordingly, it is possible to separately operate a first bicycle component B 85 having a plurality of actuated positions and a second bicycle component B 9 having only two actuated positions.

(15) The switching structure 266 configured to actuate the first bicycle component B 85 in response to the movement of the first operating member 42 and to actuate the second bicycle component B 9 in response to the simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members 42 and 44 resulting from an abutment between the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 . Accordingly, it is possible to separately operate the first bicycle component B 85 and the second bicycle component B 9 by using the first operating member 42 and the second operating member 44 .

Third Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 312 in accordance with a third embodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 64 to 67 . The bicycle operating device 312 has the same structures as those of the bicycle operating device 12 except for the base member, the first operating member, and the second operating member. Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in the above embodiments will be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 64 and 65 , the bicycle operating device 312 comprises a base member 340 , a first operating member 342 , and a second operating member 344 . The base member 340 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle body B 0 . In this embodiment, the base member 340 is configured to be mounted to a handlebar B 302 of the bicycle body B 0 . The handlebar B 302 is a flat handlebar. The base member 340 includes a mounting structure 352 . The base member 340 is mounted to the handlebar B 302 via the mounting structure 352 . The base member 340 is a stationary member when mounted to the handlebar B 302 . The mounting structure 352 preferably includes a band clamp or similar structure that is used in a road shifter for mounting to the flat handlebar.

The first operating member 342 movable relative to the base member 340 between the first rest position P 21 and the first operated position P 22 to actuate the first bicycle component B 9 . In the bicycle operating device 12 of the first embodiment, the first operating member 42 includes the first operating body 942 and the first input member 992 which is separately movable relative to the first operating body 942 . However, the first operating member 342 is integrally movable relative to the base member 340 . Specifically, the first operating member 342 is pivotally coupled to the base member 340 about the first pivot axis A 1 .

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 20 of 21

The second operating member 344 is movable relative to the base member 340 between the second rest position P 951 and the second operated position P 952 to actuate the second bicycle component B 85 that is different from the first bicycle component B 9 . In the bicycle operating device 12 of the first embodiment, the second operating member 44 includes the second operating body 944 and the second input member 987 which is separately movable relative to the second operating body 944 . However, the second operating member 344 is integrally movable relative to the base member 340 . Specifically, the second operating member 344 is pivotally coupled to the base member 340 about the second pivot axis A 2 . In this embodiment, the function of the brake operating lever is omitted from the second operating member 344 . Thus, the first pivot axis A 1 and the second pivot axis A 2 always coincide with the rotational axis A 97 .

As seen in FIGS. 66 and 67 , the bicycle operating device 312 comprises the switching structure 66 configured to actuate the first bicycle component B 9 in response to a movement of the first operating member 342 and to actuate the second bicycle component B 85 in response to a simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members 342 and 344 resulting from an abutment between the first operating member 342 and the second operating member 344 .

The bicycle operating device 312 comprises a first operating structure 368 and a second operating structure 370 . The first operating structure 368 comprises the first take-up member 995 , the first operating member 342 , and the first actuating member 993 . The first operating structure 368 has substantially the same structure as that of the first operating structure 68 of the first embodiment except for the first operating member 342 . Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

The second operating structure 370 comprises the second take-up member 976 , the second operating member 344 , and the second actuating member 988 . The second operating structure 370 has substantially the same structure as that of the second operating structure 70 of the first embodiment except for the second operating member 344 . Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

The second operating member 344 includes an operating abutment 344 C contactable with the first operating member 342 . The operating abutment 344 C has an abutment path PT 31 defined from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 . The first operating member 342 is on the abutment path PT 31 to come into contact with the operating abutment 344 C during a movement of the second operating member 344 from the second rest position P 951 to the second operated position P 952 .

The operating abutment 344 C is disposed on an opposite side of the first operated position P 22 of the first operating member 342 with respect to the first rest position P 21 of the first operating member 342 in a state where the second operating member 344 is at the second rest position P 951 .

With the bicycle operating device 312 , it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device 12 of the first embodiment.

Furthermore, the operating abutment 344 C is disposed on the opposite side of the first operated position P 22 of the first operating member 342 with respect to the first rest position P 21 of the first operating member 342 in a state where the second operating member 344 is at the second rest position P 951 . Accordingly, it is possible to move the prevention member 97 together with the second operating member 344 relative to the base member 340 before the first operating member 342 moves relative to the base member 340 in response to the movement of the second operating member 344 . Thus, it is possible to certainly prevent the first actuating member 993 from actuating the first take-up member 995 to move in the at least one of the first pulling actuation direction D 71 and the first releasing actuation direction D 72 during the movement of the first operating member 342 from the first rest position P 21 toward the first operated position P 22 .

Fourth Embodiment

A bicycle operating device 412 in accordance with a fourth embodiment will be described below referring to FIGS. 68 to 71 . The bicycle operating device 412 has the same structures as those of the bicycle operating device 212 except for the base member, the first operating member, and the second operating member. Thus, elements having substantially the same function as those in the above embodiments will be numbered the same here, and will not be described and/or illustrated again in detail here for the sake of brevity.

As seen in FIGS. 68 and 69 , the bicycle operating device 412 comprises the base member 340 , the first operating member 342 , and the second operating member 344 . The base member 340 is configured to be mounted to the bicycle body B 0 .

As seen in FIGS. 70 and 71 , the bicycle operating device 412 comprises a first operating structure 468 and a second operating structure 470 . The first operating structure 468 comprises the first take-up member 1076 , the first operating member 342 , and the first actuating member 1088 . The first operating structure 468 has substantially the same structure as that of the first operating structure 268 of the second embodiment except for the first operating member 342 . Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

The second operating structure 470 comprises the second take-up member 1095 , the second operating member 344 , and the second actuating member 1093 . The second operating structure 470 has substantially the same structure as that of the second operating structure 270 of the second embodiment except for the second operating member 344 . Thus, they will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

With the bicycle operating device 412 , it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the bicycle operating device 212 of the second embodiment.

›DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS · 21 of 21

It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle field from the present disclosure that the constructions of the above embodiments can at least partly combined with each other if needed and/or desired. For example, the first operating structure 68 of the first embodiment can include the first positioning structure 278 to position the first take-up member 995 at a plurality of first control positions. Similarly, the second operating structure 270 of the second embodiment can include the second positioning structure 78 to position the second take-up member 976 at a plurality of second control positions.

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. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, the terms “have”, “include” and their derivatives.

The terms “member”, “section”, “portion”, “part”, “element”, “body” and “structure” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” recited in the present application are merely identifiers, but do not have any other meanings, for example, a particular order and the like. Moreover, for example, the term “first element” itself does not imply an existence of “second element”, and the term “second element” itself does not imply an existence of “first element.”

The term “pair of”, as used herein, can encompass the configuration in which the pair of elements have different shapes or structures from each other in addition to the configuration in which the pair of elements have the same shapes or structures as each other.

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.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims as granted

24 claims

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Classifications

4 codes
IPC · International Patent Classification
Section B — Performing operations; transporting
  • B62M25/04
  • B62L3/02
  • B62K23/06
  • B62J1/08

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File wrapper

⤢ drag to zoomJul 2016Jan 2017Jul 2017Jan 2018Jul 2018Jan 2019Jul 2019USPTOApplicantRestriction requirementNon-final rejectionResponse after non-finalApplicant-initiated interview
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Pendency
3.1 y
1,140 days filing → grant
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1
after a restriction
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2
no RCE
Interviews
1
examiner interview summaries
Examiner
Vicky A Johnson
art unit 3656 · TC 3600
Citations: 4 back · 0 forward

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