bicycle operating device

Abstract

Bicycle operating device (12) comprising: a fixed element (26); a reel element (54), movably arranged in relation to the fixed element (26); a receiving element (58), movably arranged in relation to the fixed element (26) in a first direction (R1) and a second direction (R2), which is different from the first direction (R1); a positioning element (86) movably arranged in relation to the fixed element (26) such that the positioning element (86) moves between a non-holding position and a holding position, preventing the receiving element (58) from moving in the second direction (R2); a positioning dial (84) rigidly coupled to the receiving element (58) to move together with the receiving element (58), wherein the positioning dial (84) has a first engagement section (91a) defining a first lower chain guide position (L1) which can be selectively engaged with the positioning element (86), a second engagement section (92a) defining a second upper chain guide position (T2) which can be selectively engaged with the positioning element (86), and a first trimming engagement section (91b) defining a second lower chain guide position (L2) and a second trimming engagement section (92b) defining a first upper chain guide position (T1) which can be selectively engaged with the positioning element (86), wherein the first and second trimming engagement sections (91b, 92b),between the first engagement section (91a) and the second engagement section (92a), with respect to the first and second directions (R1, R2), and wherein the first engagement section (91a) and the first trimming engagement section (91b) are formed on a first positioning tooth (91) of the positioning gear (84) and the second trimming engagement section (92b) and the second engagement section (92a) are formed on a second positioning tooth (92) of the positioning gear (84), and , a locking element (90) movably arranged in relation to the positioning switch wheel (84) such that the locking element (90) prevents the positioning element (86) from engaging with the second trimming engagement section (92b) of the positioning switch wheel (84) when the reel element (54) moves the receiving element (58) in the first direction (R1).

Description

[0001] This invention generally relates to a bicycle operating device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle operating device that operates a bicycle component using a control cable.

[0002] Bicycle operating devices are used to shift gears of a multi-speed bicycle transmission. The multi-speed bicycle transmission typically includes a chain, one or more front sprockets or gears mounted on a front crankset, and a plurality of rear sprockets or gears mounted on a rear hub of a rear wheel. The front and rear shift operating devices are configured to operate gear changing devices (e.g., a derailleur or an internal hub gear) to select a desired gear ratio. Pedaling force from a rider is transferred from the front chainrings to the rear sprockets via the chain to rotate the rear wheel.

[0003] Most mechanical brake / shift control devices use control cables that connect the brake / shift control devices to the brake devices for braking and the gear change devices for shifting. These control cables are typically Bowden cables with an outer casing and an inner wire. For shifting, a shift lever is usually used to operate the gear change device (front derailleur). For example, the brake lever is also used as one of the shift levers for pulling the shift cable, while a separate lever is provided for releasing or retracting the shift cable. An operating force is typically applied by one or more of the rider's fingers to operate the shift levers, which in turn transmits the operating force to the shift cable via a shift operating unit.In many cases, the shifting control unit has a shift cable take-up spool or reel. The inner wire of the shift cable is attached at one end to the cable take-up spool and at its other end to a part of the gear changing device, such as a front derailleur or a hub gear mechanism. The inner wire of the shift cable is wound (wound) or released (unwound) around a circumferential edge or surface of the shifting control unit's shift cable take-up spool to pull and / or release the inner wire. By rotating the cable take-up spool, the inner wire slides within the outer casing to pull (tension) or release the inner wire, which operates the gear changing device.In the case of racing bicycle shifters (e.g., brake / shift actuators), the shift cable is typically routed along the handlebar. Examples of brake / shift actuators are disclosed in applications US 5,400,675 A (assigned to Shimano, Inc.), US 5,257,683 A (assigned to Campagnolo), and US 2007 / 0 012 137 A1 (assigned to Campagnolo), DE 698 05 448 T2, and US 2012 / 0 297 912 A1.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved bicycle operating device that prevents engagement of an intermediate engagement portion located between first and second engagement portions during movement of a receiving member in a first direction, but allows engagement of the intermediate engagement portion during movement of the receiving member in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0005] This object is achieved by a bicycle operating device according to the main claim 1. Preferred embodiments are listed in the dependent claims.

[0006] In view of the known prior art, a bicycle operating device is disclosed for operating a bicycle component, which essentially comprises a fixed member, a spool member, a take-up member, a positioning ratchet, and a locking member. The spool member is movably arranged with respect to the fixed member. The take-up member is movably arranged with respect to the fixed member in a first direction and a second direction, wherein the second direction is different from the first direction. The positioning ratchet or positioning ratchet element is movably arranged with respect to the fixed member such that the positioning member moves between a non-holding position and a holding position, wherein the holding position prevents the take-up member from moving in the second direction.The positioning ratchet is fixedly coupled to the receiving member for movement together with the receiving member. The positioning ratchet has a first engagement portion that selectively engages the positioning member, a second engagement portion that selectively engages the positioning member, and an intermediate engagement portion that selectively engages the positioning member. The intermediate engagement portion is disposed between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion with respect to the first and second directions. The restraining member is movable with respect to the positioning ratchet such that the restraining member prevents the positioning member from engaging the intermediate engagement portion of the positioning ratchet when the spool member moves the receiving member in the first direction.

[0007] Reference is made below to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure: Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a portion of a bicycle equipped with a bicycle operating device coupled to a racing bicycle handlebar in its mounted position in accordance with an illustrated embodiment; Fig. 2 is a side view of a bicycle drive train, which is shown in Fig. 1 the bicycle operating device shown is operated; Fig. 3 is a side view from the inside, in Fig. 1, wherein the brake / shift lever and the shift (release) lever are in their rest positions; Fig. 4 is a side view from the inside, in Fig. 3, wherein the brake / shift lever is pivoted into a braking position; Fig. 5 is a front view of the racing bike handlebar and the Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, wherein the brake / shift lever and the shift (release) lever are in their rest positions; Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of the section of the racing bicycle handlebar and the bicycle operating device shown in Fig. 4, wherein the brake / shift lever is moved to a first cable pull position; Fig. 7 is a front view of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrated portion of the racing bicycle handlebar and the bicycle operating device, wherein the shift (release) lever of the bicycle operating device is moved into a cable release position; Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating various guide positions of a chain guide of the front derailleur as a result of operation of the brake / shift lever and the shift (release) lever of the bicycle operating device; Fig. 9 is an inside side view of a shift operating unit of the bicycle operating device, with the brake / shift lever and the shift (release) lever of the bicycle operating device in their rest positions; Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of the brake / shift lever and the shift (release) lever of the bicycle operating device; Fig. 11 is a front perspective exposure view of the brake / shift lever and the shift (release) lever of the bicycle operating device; Fig. 12 is a front view of selected portions of the shift operating unit as viewed along the center axis of a main shift shaft, with the control members in their rest positions and the shift operating unit in a full release position such that the front derailleur is held in the first lower guide position (the innermost position) with the chain resting on the inner chainring; Fig. 13 is an enlarged front view of the selected parts of the Fig. 12, but with the shift (release) lever of the bicycle operating device removed; Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of the inside of Fig. 13, with the control elements in their rest position; Fig. 15 is an enlarged side view from the outside, of the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, wherein the control elements are in their rest position; Fig. 16 is a front view of selected parts of the Fig. 13 to Fig. 15, wherein the control elements are in their rest position; Fig. 17 is an enlarged front view of selected parts of the Fig. 13 to Fig. 16, wherein the control elements are in their rest position; Fig. 18 is a perspective exposure view of selected parts of the Fig. 13 to Fig. 17 shown switching actuation unit; Fig. 19 is a front view of selected portions of the shift operating unit as viewed along the centerline of the main shift shaft, with the control members in their rest positions and the shift operating unit in a full release position such that the front derailleur is held in the first lower guide position (the innermost position) with the chain bearing on the inner chainring; Fig. 20 is a front view of the Fig. 19 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the pull drive element from the rest position of the Fig. 19 is rotated away to perform a switching (pulling) operation from the first lower guide position (the innermost position) to the second lower guide position (the lower trim position), which pulls an inner wire of the control cable; Fig. 21 is a front view of the Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the pull drive element turned back to the rest position of the Fig. 21; Fig. 22 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 21 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the pull drive element from the rest position of the Fig. 2 partially unscrewed to start a shift (pulling) operation from the second lower guide position (the lower trim position); Fig. 23 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 22 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the traction drive element further from the partially switched position of the Fig. 22 is rotated to complete the switching (pulling) operation from the second lower guide position (the lower trim position) to the second upper guide position (the outermost position); Fig. 24 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 23 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the pull drive element turned back to the rest position of the Fig. 23; Fig. 25 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 24 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the release drive element from the rest position of the Fig. 24 is rotated out to perform a switching (releasing) operation from the second upper guide position (the outermost position) to the first upper guide position (the upper trim position), which releases or unwinds an inner wire of a control cable; Fig. 26 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 25 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the release drive element turned back to the rest position of the Fig. 25; Fig. 27 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 26 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the release drive element partially out of the rest position of the Fig. 26 is rotated to start a switching (release) operation from the first upper guide position (the upper trim position); Fig. 28 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 27, but with the release drive member rotated to complete the switching (release) operation from the first upper guide position (the upper trim position) to the second lower guide position (the lower trim position); Fig. 29 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 28 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the release drive element turned back to the rest position of the Fig. 28; Fig. 30 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 29 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the release drive element from the rest position of the Fig. 28 is rotated to perform a switching (releasing) operation from the second lower guide position (the lower trim position) to the first lower guide position (the innermost position); Fig. 31 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 30 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the release drive element turned back to the rest position of the Fig. 30; and Fig. 32 is a front view of the Fig. 19 to Fig. 31 selected parts of the switching actuation unit, but with the pull drive element from the rest position of the Fig. 19 to perform a switching (pulling) operation from the first lower guide position (the innermost position) directly to the second upper guide position (outermost position), which pulls an inner wire of a control cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0008] With initial reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a bicycle drive system for a bicycle 10 is shown, which is equipped with a pair of bicycle operating devices 12 and 14. The bicycle operating devices 12 and 14 are mounted on a racing bicycle handlebar 16 in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Fig. 1. The bicycle operating device 12 is a left-side control device which is operated by the left hand of the rider to control a first braking device (not shown) and a first gear changing device 18 (for example, a pull-wire operated front derailleur), as seen in Fig. 2. The bicycle operating device 14 is a right-side control device operated by the rider's right hand to actuate a second braking device (not shown) and a second gear-changing device (not shown) (e.g., a pull-wire-operated rear derailleur). In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle operating device 12 is operatively coupled to the first gear-changing device 18 via a shift control cable 21 and to the first braking device (not shown) via a brake control cable 22. The bicycle operating device 14 is operatively coupled to the second gear-changing device (not shown) via a shift control cable 23 and to the second braking device (not shown) via a brake control cable 24.The first gear changing device 18 is part of the bicycle drive system which is used to shift a bicycle chain C in order to change gears or ratios of the drive train in a relatively conventional manner.

[0009] Preferably, the control cables 21 to 24 are conventional bicycle control cables, which have an outer casing or housing enclosing an inner wire. In other words, each of the control cables 21 to 24 is a Bowden cable, which essentially has an inner wire slidably received in an outer casing or housing. For example, the shift control cable 21, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, an inner wire 21a with an outer sheath 21b surrounding the inner wire 21a, while the brake control cable 22 has an inner wire 22a with an outer sheath 22b surrounding the inner wire 22a. The inner wire 21a represents a connecting element that operatively couples the bicycle operating device 12 to the first gear change device 18 in order to shift the first gear change device 18 following actuation of the bicycle operating device 12.

[0010] As seen in Fig. 1, the grip portions of the racing bicycle handlebar 16 and portions of the control cables 21 and 22 are normally covered by handlebar tape. The racing bicycle handlebar 16 typically includes a straight transverse portion 16a and a pair of downwardly curved portions 16b. The straight transverse portion 16a connects the upper ends of the downwardly curved portions 16b. The bicycle operating devices 12 and 14 are mounted to the downwardly curved portions 16b of the racing bicycle handlebar 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle operating device 12 is mounted on the left side of the racing bicycle handlebar 16 for operating the first gear change device 18 (e.g., a cable-operated front derailleur), and the bicycle operating device 14 is mounted on the right side of the racing bicycle handlebar 16 for operating the second gear change device (not shown).However, each of the bicycle operating devices 12 and 14 can be manufactured as a mirror image of the illustrated embodiment, so that the bicycle operating devices 12 and 14 can be mounted on opposite or reversed sides of the racing bicycle handlebar 16.

[0011] As seen in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, the bicycle operating device 12 comprises a base member or a clamp 26, which is fixedly mounted to one of the curved portions 16b of the racing bicycle handlebar 16 by means of a handlebar mounting structure 28. After the clamp 26 is mounted to the racing bicycle handlebar 16 by means of the handlebar mounting structure 28, the clamp 26 constitutes part of a fixed element of the bicycle operating device 12. Riders occasionally grip the clamp 26 and load it by leaning on the clamp 26 while riding. The clamp 26 has a rigid main body 30 and an outer soft elastomeric grip cover 32. The grip cover 32 partially covers the main body 30, as seen in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. In particular, the grip cover 32 extends over a grip portion of the main body 30. Typically, the main body 30 is made of a rigid plastic material. The clamp 26 is a stationary member when mounted to the handlebar 16. The handlebar mounting structure 28 is preferably a conventional band clamp or similar structure used in racing bicycle shifters to mount a shifter to a racing bicycle handlebar of the type shown in the bicycle handlebar 16. Therefore, the handlebar mounting structure 28 will not be discussed in further detail below.

[0012] In this embodiment, the bicycle operating device 12, as best seen in Fig. 4, a brake / shift lever 34, a shift lever 36, and a shift operating unit 38. The main body 30 of the bracket 26 houses the shift operating unit 38 in an internal recess or cavity of the main body 30. The brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are examples of user-operated levers and are used, as below, to operate the shift operating unit 38. The brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are movable relative to the bracket 26 to operate the shift operating unit 38.

[0013] The brake / shift lever 34 is used to perform both a braking operation and a shifting operation, whereas the shift lever 36 performs only a shifting operation. The brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are operatively coupled to the shift operating unit 38 for performing shifting operations, thereby causing a gear changing device to change gears (i.e., shifting a chain between gears). The brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are preferably each pivoted relative to the main body 30 on the bracket in a direction toward a bicycle longitudinal center plane to perform shifting operations.

[0014] With reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the brake / shift lever 34 functions as both a shift and a brake lever. The brake / shift lever 34 pulls the inner wire 21a of the brake cable 22 toward the curved portion 16b of the racing bicycle handlebar 16 by pivoting the brake / shift lever 34 about a brake pivot axis P1 with respect to the main body 30 of the clamp 26, as seen in Fig. 4. When the brake / shift lever 34 is released, the brake / shift lever 34 automatically returns to its rest position. The term "rest position" as used herein refers to a state in which the brake / shift lever 34 remains stationary without the need for a user or an external force external to the bicycle operating device 12 to maintain the component in the state corresponding to the rest position. The rest position of the brake / shift lever 34 also corresponds to a non-braking position and a non-shifting position. The brake / shift lever 34 also functions as a cable pull (wind-up) lever, as discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the shift lever 36 also moves together with the brake / shift lever 34 when the brake / shift lever 34 is moved from its rest position ( Fig. 3) into its braking position ( Fig. 4). When the brake / shift lever 34 is moved from its rest position ( Fig. 3) into its braking position ( Fig. 4) is pivoted only about the brake pivot axis P1, only a brake actuation is carried out (i.e. no shifting is carried out, neither by the brake / shift lever 34 nor by the shift lever 36).

[0015] With reference to the Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 shows the switching operations of the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36. The brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are shown in Fig. 5 in their rest positions. The brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are preferably each pivoted relative to the main body 30 of the clamp 26 in a direction toward a bicycle longitudinal center plane for performing shifting operations. More specifically, the brake / shift lever 34 pivots from its rest position ( Fig. 5) to a switching position ( Fig. 6) about a shift pivot axis P2 relative to the bracket 26, toward the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle 10, in order to perform a shift operation. The shift lever 36 pivots from its rest position ( Fig. 5) into a switching position ( Fig. 7) about a shift pivot axis P3 with respect to the bracket 26 toward the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle 10, for performing a shift operation. In the embodiment shown here, the shift pivot axes P2 and P3 are concentric pivot axes. The brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are trigger levers and trigger switch levers, respectively, which are preloaded into the respective rest positions in a conventional manner. The term "rest position" as used herein with reference to the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 refers to a state in which the component (for example, the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36) is stationary or immobile, without the need for a user or an external force acting from outside the bicycle operating device to hold the component in this state, which corresponds to the rest position.

[0016] The brake / shift lever 34 pulls the inner wire 21a of the shift cable 21 into the shift operating unit 38 by pivoting the brake / shift lever 34 around the shift pivot axis P2 with respect to the bracket 26, towards the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle 10, as seen in Fig. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the shift lever 36 also moves together with the brake shift lever 34 when the brake / shift lever 34 is moved from its rest position ( Fig. 5) into its switching position ( Fig. 6). When the brake / shift lever 34 is moved from its rest position ( Fig. 6) to its switching position ( Fig. 7), the shift lever 36 is effectively inoperative or cannot be operated. The brake / shift lever 34 is operatively coupled to the shift actuation unit 38, so that one or more shifts or switching operations can be performed, depending on the effective stroke length of the brake / shift lever 34.

[0017] The shift lever 36 functions as a cable release lever. The shift lever 36 releases the inner wire 21a from the shift operating unit 38 by pivoting the shift lever 36 about the shift pivot axis P3 with respect to the bracket 26, toward the longitudinal center plane of the bicycle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the brake / shift lever 34 remains stationary during the movement of the shift lever 36 performs cable release operations, as described below.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle operating device 12 is used to actuate a first gear changing device 18 (e.g., a cable-operated front derailleur) so that the chain can be shifted between a first or outer gear F1 and a second or inner gear F2. Accordingly, as described below, the shift operating unit 38 has four different and distinctly separate cable holding positions for holding the first gear changing device 18 in four different and distinctly separate chain guide positions, as diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 8. As seen in Fig. 2, the first or outer gear F1 is the largest front chainring and has a first diameter. The second or inner gear F2 is the smallest front chainring and has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the first or outer gear F1. The gears F1 and F2 form a gear arrangement or crankset of the bicycle drive system.

[0019] As described below, the shift operating unit 38 selectively holds a chain guide 18a (i.e., a guide portion) of the first gear change device 18 in the four chain guide positions. Fig. Figure 8 schematically illustrates these four chain guide positions of the chain guide 18a of the gear change device 18 as a result of an actuation of the bicycle operating device 12. Essentially, with the bicycle operating device 12, the chain guide 18a can be moved between the following four different chain guide positions: a first lower chain guide position L1, a second lower chain guide position L2, a first upper chain guide position T1, and a second upper chain guide position T2. ​​The four chain guide positions L1, L2, T1, and T2 correspond to a longitudinal center of the chain guide 18a, which is located halfway between the chain contact surfaces of the chain guide 18a. As can be seen in Fig. 8, the outer and inner threads F1 and F2 are axially spaced from each other by a fixed spacing or distance.

[0020] The first and second lower chain guide positions L1 and L2 are both used to hold the chain guide 18a of the gear changer 18 at the gear F2. The first lower chain guide position L1 corresponds to an innermost chain guide position of the chain guide 18a of the gear changer 18. The first and second upper chain guide positions T1 and T2 are each used to hold the chain guide 18a of the gear changer 18 at the outermost gear F1. The second upper chain guide position T2 corresponds to an outermost one of the chain guide positions of the chain guide 18a of the gear changer 18. The second lower chain guide position L2 and the first upper chain guide position T1 each correspond to intermediate chain guide positions. The first upper chain guide position T1 corresponds to an upper trim position.With the chain guide 18a in the first upper chain guide position T1, the outer gear F1 is spaced from the center of the chain guide 18a such that the outer gear F1 is closer to an outer side plate of the chain guide 18a than when the chain guide 18a is in the second upper chain guide position T2. ​​The second lower chain guide position L2 corresponds to a lower trim position. With the chain guide 18a in the second lower chain guide position L2, the inner gear F2 is spaced from the center of the chain guide 18a such that the inner gear F2 is closer to an inner side plate of the chain guide 18a than when the chain guide 18a is in the first lower chain guide position L1.

[0021] The upper and lower trim positions are micro-adjustments used to prevent the chain C from rubbing inside the chain guide 18a when the chain C is engaged with the upper gear of one of the front or rear gears (gear sets) and one of the lower gears of one of the other front or rear gears (gear sets). Thus, trimming means operating the bicycle operating device 12 to move the chain guide 18a laterally just a tiny bit, sufficient to stop or prevent the chain C from rubbing against the inside of the chain guide 18a, but not enough to shift the chain C to another chainring or gear (pinion). Consequently, when the rider shifts between the first and second upper chain guide positions T1 and T2, the chain C is not shifted to the inner gear F2 from the outer gear F1.Rather, when the rider shifts between the first and second upper chain guide positions T1 and T2, the chain C remains on the outer gear F1. Similarly, when the rider shifts between the first and second lower chain guide positions L1 and L2, the chain C is not shifted to the outer gear F1 from the inner gear F2. Rather, when the rider shifts between the first and second lower chain guide positions L1 and L2, the chain C remains on the inner gear F2.

[0022] When the rider uses the brake / shift lever 34 of the bicycle operating device 12 to operate the shift operating unit 38 through a cable operation so that the shift operating unit performs a cable operation, the rider can selectively shift the chain guide 18a directly from the first lower chain guide position L1 to either the second lower chain guide position L2 or the second upper chain guide position T2 in a single continuous movement of the brake / shift lever 34. However, as discussed below, the shift operating unit 38 is configured such that the shift operating unit 38 cannot be shifted directly from the first lower chain guide position L1 or the second lower chain guide position L2 to the first upper chain guide position T1 in a single continuous movement of the brake / shift lever 34.The brake / shift lever 34 can be pivoted along the shift path in a single continuous movement by a first pull amount W1 to shift directly from the first lower chain guide position L1 to the second lower chain guide position L2, as diagrammatically shown in FIG. Fig. 8. On the other hand, the brake / shift lever 34 can be pivoted along the shifting path in a single continuous movement by a second pulling amount W2 to shift directly from the first lower chain guide position L1 to the second upper chain guide position T2, as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 8.

[0023] Even if the rider uses the brake / shift lever 34 of the bicycle operating device 12 to operate the shift operating unit 38 by a cable pull operation, so that the shift operating unit performs a pull operation, the rider can selectively switch the chain guide 18a directly from the second lower chain guide position L2 to the second upper chain guide position T2 in a single continuous movement of the brake / shift lever 34. In particular, the brake / shift lever 34 can be pivoted along the shift path in a single continuous movement by a third pull amount W3 to switch directly from the second lower chain guide position L2 to the second upper chain guide position T2, as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 8. However, the shift operating unit 38 is configured such that the shift operating unit 38 cannot be switched directly from the second lower chain guide position L2 to the first upper chain guide position T1 in a single continuous movement of the brake / shift lever 34.

[0024] Furthermore, the rider, using the brake / shift lever 34 of the bicycle operating device 12 to actuate the shift operating unit 38 to perform a pulling operation, can shift the chain guide 18a directly from the first upper chain guide position T1 to the second upper chain guide position T2 in a single continuous movement of the brake / shift lever 34. In particular, the brake / shift lever 34 can be pivoted along the shift path in a single continuous movement by a fourth pulling amount W4 to shift directly from the first upper chain guide position T1 to the second upper chain guide position T2, as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 8 is shown.

[0025] On the other hand, the rider using the shift lever 36 of the bicycle operating device 12 to actuate the shift operating unit 38 to perform a release operation can switch directly from one of the four chain guide positions L1, L2, T1 and T2 to the directly adjacent position in a single continuous movement, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 8. For example, the shift lever 36 may be pivoted along the shift path in a single continuous motion by a first release amount R1 to shift directly from the second upper chain guide position T2 to the first upper chain guide position T1. Alternatively, the rider using the shift lever 36 of the bicycle operating device 12 may shift directly from the second upper chain guide position T2 to the second lower chain guide position L2 to actuate the shift operating unit 38 to perform a release operation. In particular, the shift lever 36 may be pivoted along the shift path in a single continuous motion by a second release amount R2 to shift directly from the second upper chain guide position T2 to the second lower chain guide position L2.Furthermore, the shift lever 36 can be pivoted along the shift path in a single continuous movement by a third release amount R3 to shift directly from the first upper chain guide position T1 to the second lower chain guide position L2. Finally, the shift lever 36 can be pivoted along the shift path in a single continuous movement by a fourth release amount R4 to shift directly from the second lower chain guide position L2 to the first lower chain guide position L1.

[0026] Also, during cable pull operations, the bicycle operating device 12 is configured such that the rider cannot directly switch the chain guide 18a to the first upper chain guide position T1 (for example, the trim position) from any of the first and second lower chain guide positions L1 and L2 in a single continuous movement, as diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 8. In other words, during a cable pull operation from either the first or second lower chain guide position L1 or L2, the first upper chain guide position T1 is bypassed (omitted) when operating the brake / shift lever 34 in a single continuous movement. However, during a cable release operation, the rider can shift directly to the first upper chain guide position T1 from the second upper chain guide position T2.

[0027] With reference to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 9 to Fig. 11, the connection of the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 will be considered in more detail below. As can be seen in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are supported on the main body 30 of the bracket 26 by a support member 40. Therefore, the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 are separable as an integral unit from the main body 30 and the shift operating unit 38. In particular, the support member 40 is only attached to the main body 30 of the bracket 26 by means of a pivot pin 42. The pivot pin 42 defines the brake pivot axis P1, so that the brake / shift lever 34, shift lever 36, and the support member 40 pivot together as a unit on the pivot pin 42 during a braking operation.

[0028] As seen in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, a biasing member 44 is provided on the pivot pin 42 to apply a biasing force between the main body 30 and the support member 40. The biasing member 44 is arranged on the pivot pin 42 to bias the support member 40 and the brake / shift lever 34 into the non-braking position (i.e., a rest position) with respect to the main body 30, as seen in Fig. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 44 is a torsion spring, which is arranged with its coiled portion on the pivot pin 42. A free end of the biasing element 44 contacts a portion of the main body 30 that is behind the pivot pin 42, whereas a second free end of the biasing element 44 contacts the support element 40.

[0029] As best seen in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the support member 40 also includes a brake cable fixing structure 40a (e.g., a hole) for fixing the inner wire 22a. When the brake / shift lever 34 pivots about the brake pivot axis P1, the brake / shift lever 34 pulls the inner wire 22a relative to the outer casing 22b to perform a braking operation. Generally speaking, the brake / shift lever 34 moves in a longitudinal direction relative to the bracket 26 when braking operations are performed. In other words, during a braking operation, the brake / shift lever 34 moves along a braking operation plane substantially perpendicular to the shift operation planes of the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36. Consequently, the brake / shift lever 34 moves relative to the bracket 26 about the brake pivot axis P1, which is perpendicular to the shift pivot axes P2 and P3.

[0030] As best seen in Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 9 to Fig. 11, the brake / shift lever 34 is pivotally attached to the support member 40 by means of a pivot pin 46, which defines the shift pivot axis P2. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot pin 46 is a tubular member. As best seen in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, a biasing element 48 is provided between the brake / shift lever 34 and the support element 40. The biasing element 48 is arranged to hold the brake / shift lever 34 in a non-shift position (i.e., a rest position as seen in Fig. 5) so that a stop 34a contacts the support member 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 48 is a torsion spring whose coiled portion is disposed on the pivot pin 46. A first free end of the biasing member 48 is disposed in a hole of the brake / shift lever 34, whereas a second free end of the biasing member 48 is disposed in a hole of the support member 40.

[0031] With reference to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, when performing a switching (cable winding or pulling) operation with the brake / shift lever 34, the brake / shift lever 34 is moved (pivoted) laterally inwards around the shift pivot axis P2 from the rest position ( Fig. 5) into either a first cable pull position ( Fig. 6) to perform a single gear change operation, or further to a second cable pull position to perform a two-speed shift operation in a single continuous movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the shift lever 36 also moves with the brake / shift lever 34 when the brake / shift lever 34 is moved to perform a shift operation.

[0032] With reference to the Fig. 9 to Fig. 11, the shift lever 36 is also pivotally mounted to the support member 40 by means of a pivot pin 50 pivotally mounted about the shift pivot axis P3. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot pin 50 is disposed within the pivot pin 46 so that the pivot pin axes P2 and P3 are concentric. Alternatively, the pivot pin 50 for the shift lever 36 can be mounted to the support member 40 so that the shift pivot axis P3 is either parallel to the shift pivot axis P2 or angled with respect to the shift pivot axis P2. A biasing member 52 is provided between the brake / shift lever 34 and the support member 40 to bias the shift lever 36 toward a rest position. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 52 is a torsion spring whose coiled portion is disposed on the pivot pin 50.A first free end of the biasing element 52 is arranged in a hole of the shift lever 36, whereas a second free end of the biasing element 52 is arranged in a hole of the brake / shift lever 34.

[0033] With reference to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 7 When performing a switching (release) operation with the switching lever 36, the switching lever 36 is moved laterally inwards around the switching pivot axis P3, out of the rest position ( Fig. 5) into a cable release position ( Fig. 7) to perform a gear shift operation. In this illustrated embodiment, the brake / shift lever 34 does not move together with the shift lever 36 when the shift lever 36 is moved to perform a shift (release) operation. Rather, the brake / shift lever 34 remains in its rest position due to the biasing force applied by the biasing member 48 while performing a shift operation with the shift lever 36.

[0034] Generally speaking, during shift operations, the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36 move together in a lateral direction relative to the bracket 26 along shift actuation planes to actuate the shift actuation unit 38. While in this illustrated embodiment the shift pivot axes P2 and P3 are coincident, the shift pivot axes P2 and P3 may be spaced apart from each other, as desired and / or needed. Furthermore, the shift actuation unit 38 may be actuated in a variety of different ways, as needed and / or desired. For example, the shift actuation unit 38 may be actuated with buttons instead of the brake / shift lever 34 and the shift lever 36.

[0035] Considering the Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 and Fig. 12 to Fig. 18, the switch actuation unit 38 is described in more detail below. For the sake of brevity and ease of understanding of the basic operations of the switch actuation unit 38, various non-essential parts, such as washers and bushings, are not further discussed and / or illustrated here. As best seen in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the shift actuation unit 38 has a first actuation element 54 and a second actuation element 56. The first actuation element 54 is actuated by means of the brake / shift lever 34, whereas the second actuation element 36 is actuated by means of the shift lever 36. As best seen in Fig. 14, Fig. 15 and Fig. 18, the shift actuation unit 38 further includes a cable take-up element or reel 58 for pulling and releasing the inner wire 21a of the shift control cable 21 upon actuation of the first and second actuation elements 54 and 56. The cable take-up element 58 may also be referred to merely as a take-up element, since other transmission elements may be used as an alternative to the control cable 21.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the first actuating element 54 is provided with a pulling pawl 54a and a biasing element 54b for rotating the cable take-up element 58 in a first rotational direction R1. Thus, the first actuating element 54, together with the pulling pawl 54a and the biasing element 54b, represents a pulling or reeling element that is movable relative to the fixed element (e.g., the clamp 26). Likewise, the first rotational direction R1 represents a pulling or reeling direction of the inner wire 21a. The pulling pawl 54a and the biasing element 54b are supported on the first actuating element 54 by means of a support pin 54c. The biasing element 54b is a torsion spring whose coiled portion is arranged on the support pin 54c.A first free end of the biasing member 54b is hooked to the pull pawl 54a, whereas a second free end of the biasing member 54b is hooked to the first actuating member 54 to bias the pull pawl 54a toward an engaged position, as described below.

[0037] On the other hand, the second operating member 56 is provided with a release pawl 56a and a biasing member 56b for rotating the cable receiving member 58 in a second rotational direction R2. Thus, the second rotational direction R2 represents a release direction of the inner wire 21a. The release pawl 56a and the biasing member 56b are supported on the second operating member 56 by means of a support pin 56c. The biasing member 56b is a torsion spring whose coiled portion is disposed on the support pin 56c. A first free end of the biasing member 56b is hooked to the release pawl 56a, whereas a second free end of the biasing member 56b is hooked to the second operating member 56, for biasing the release pawl 56a toward an engaged position as described below.The release pawl 56a also has a pin 56d extending through an opening in the second actuating member 56. The pin 56d contacts a stop on the first actuating member 54 when the second actuating member 56 is in its rest position. Thus, the pin 56d serves as a stop for establishing the rest position of the second actuating member 56, as seen in FIG. Fig. 16. However, upon movement of the first actuating member 54 in the first rotational direction R1 to perform a switching operation, a stop or contact part 54d of the first actuating member 54 will push or push the pin 56d, which will subsequently rotate the release pawl 56 against the biasing force of the biasing member 56b into a disengaged position, as seen in Fig. 20. The term “part” as used herein shall be understood in the following in the sense that it can be understood as the part or portion of a superior unit.

[0038] The cable receiving member 58 and the first and second actuating members 54 and 56 are coaxially disposed on a main shift shaft 60 of the shift actuating unit 38. The main shift shaft 60 defines a main rotational axis A of the shift actuating unit 38. The main shift shaft 60 pivotally supports the cable receiving member 58 and the first and second actuating members 54 and 56 for pivotal movement relative to the bracket 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the main rotational axis A is aligned with the shift axes P2 and P3. Substantially, the cable receiving member 58 pivots in opposite rotational directions about the main rotational axis A as a result of actuation of the first and second actuating members 54 and 56, as described below.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the cable take-up member 58 is biased in the first rotational direction R1 by means of a biasing member 62. The cable take-up member 58 forms a wire reel body or movable member. The cable take-up member 58 is pivotally supported on the main control shaft 60 to pivot with respect to the bracket 26 (i.e., the fixed member) in the first rotational direction R1 as a result of movement of the first actuating member 54. Likewise, the cable take-up member 58 is pivotally supported on the main control shaft 60 to pivot with respect to the bracket 26 (i.e., the fixed member) in the second rotational direction R2 as a result of movement of the second actuating member 56. The first rotational direction R1 is an opposite rotational direction from the second rotational direction R2, with respect to the main rotational axis A.

[0040] As best seen in Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, the cable receiving member 58 has a jumper wire fastening structure 58a for fastening the inner wire 21a of the cable 21 thereto. Rotation of the cable receiving member 58 in the first rotational direction R1 results in the inner wire 21a of the cable 21 being wound or spooled onto the circumferential edge or surface of the cable receiving member 58. Conversely, rotation of the cable receiving member 58 in the second rotational direction R2 results in the inner wire 21a of the cable 21 being spooled or unwound from the circumferential edge or surface of the cable receiving member 58. Other structures of the cable receiving member 58 are described below.

[0041] Actuation of the first actuating element 54 causes the cable take-up element 58 to move in the first rotational direction R1 to pull or wind the inner wire 21a. In other words, the first actuating element 54 is pivoted in the first rotational direction R1 with respect to the main rotational axis A of the cable take-up element 58 by means of the brake / shift lever 34 to selectively actuate the cable take-up element 58 in the first rotational direction R1. Essentially, the first actuating element 54 is actuated by the rider pivoting the brake / shift lever 34 about the shift pivot axis P2 in the first rotational direction R1. As stated above, the shift lever 36 pivots together with the brake / shift lever 34.In particular, the first operating member 54 has a contact element or flange 54e that contacts the shift lever 36 so that the shift lever and the first and second operating members 54 and 56 are all pivoted together as a result of pivotal movement of the brake / shift lever 34. Thus, the brake / shift lever 34 is operatively coupled to the shift operating unit 38 to perform cable pulling operation of the cable take-up member 58. As described below, the brake / shift lever 34, the shift lever 36, and the first and second operating members 54 and 56 are all biased in the second rotational direction R2 to their respective rest positions. In this manner, the brake / shift lever 34, the shift lever 36, and the first and second operating members 54 and 56 all return to their respective rest positions after the brake / shift lever 34 is released.

[0042] On the other hand, actuation of the second actuating element 56 causes the cable receiving element 58 to move in the second rotational direction R2 to release the inner wire 21a. The second actuating element 56 is actuated by the driver by pivoting the shift lever 36 around the shift pivot axis P3. Specifically, the second actuating element 56 is contacted by the shift lever 36 such that the second actuating element 56 is pivoted as a result of a pivoting movement of the shift lever 36. Consequently, the shift lever 36 is operatively coupled to the shift operating unit 38 to perform a cable release actuation of the cable receiving element 58.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuating element 56 is pivoted in the first rotational direction R1 relative to the main rotational axis A of the cable receiving element 58 by means of the switching lever 36 to selectively actuate the cable receiving element 58 in the second rotational direction R2. As described below, the switching lever 36 and the second actuating element 56 are biased in the second rotational direction R2 to their respective rest positions, so that the switching lever 36 and the second actuating element 56 return to their respective rest positions after the switching lever 36 is released.

[0044] As seen in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the shift operating unit 38 is provided with a rear mounting bolt 64 and a front bracket 66 for supporting the shift operating unit 38 to the main body 30. Specifically, the rear mounting bolt 64 extends through a hole in the main body 30 and is then screwed into a head portion of the main shift shaft 60. In this way, the rear end of the shift operating unit 38 is supported within the internal cavity of the main body 30. The front bracket 66 is disposed at a front end portion of the main shift shaft 60. The front bracket 66 is held to the main shift shaft 60 by a nut 68 threaded onto a threaded portion of the main shift shaft 60. The front bracket 66 is secured to the main body by a pair of bolts 70.In this way, the front end of the switching actuating unit 38 is held or supported within the internal recess or cavity of the main body 30.

[0045] With reference now to the Fig. 14 to Fig. 18, the shift operating unit 38 further includes a first stationary plate 72, a second stationary plate 74, and a shift positioning mechanism 76. The first and second stationary plates 72 and 74 are rigid or mechanically resilient elements, both of which are mounted on the main shift shaft 60. The stationary plates 72 and 74 are immovable relative to the main body 30 of the bracket 26. The first stationary plate 72 is fixed to the second stationary plate 74 by means of a pivot pin 78. Thus, the first and second stationary plates 72 and 74 are secured to each other and contact the main body 30 of the bracket 26, so that the first and second stationary plates 72 and 74 are held stationary or immovable by the main body 30. Accordingly, the stationary plates 72 and 74 form part of the fixed or fixed element of the bicycle operating device 12.In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 26 together with the stationary plates 72 and 74 primarily form the fixed element of the bicycle operating device 12. The reel element (for example, the first actuating element 54 together with the pull pawl 54a and the biasing element 54b) is arranged to be movable with respect to the fixed element (for example, the bracket 26 together with the stationary plates 72 and 74).

[0046] The first stationary plate 72 has a flange 72a that serves as a stop for establishing or defining the rest position of the first actuating element 54. The flange 72a of the first stationary plate 72 also serves as a stop for limiting the rotational movement of the second actuating element 56 in the first rotational direction R1. Likewise, the flange 72a serves as a stop for limiting the rotational movement of the first actuating element 54 in the first rotational direction R1, after which rotation of the first actuating element 54 to perform a switching operation also causes the second actuating element 56 to move with the first actuating element 54.

[0047] The second stationary plate 74 provides an attachment point for the biasing element 62 of the cable receiving element 58. In particular, the biasing element 62 is a torsion spring whose first end is hooked into the second stationary plate 74 and whose second end is disposed in a hole in the cable receiving element 58. Consequently, the biasing element 62 biases the cable receiving element 58 in the second rotational direction R2. Accordingly, the biasing element 62 is a return spring for the cable receiving element 58.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the first actuating element 54 is biased in the second rotational direction R2 by a biasing element 80. The biasing element 80 is a torsion spring whose coiled portion is arranged on the main shift shaft 60. A first free end of the biasing element 80 is arranged in a hole of the first actuating element 54, while a second free end of the biasing element 80 is arranged in a hole of the bracket 66. As stated above, the biasing element 80 is arranged to bias the first actuating element 54 into its rest position, against the flange 72a of the first stationary plate 72.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuating element 56 is prestressed in the second rotational direction R2 by a prestressing element 82. The prestressing element 82 is a torsion spring whose coiled portion is arranged on the main shift shaft 60. A first free end of the prestressing element 82 is arranged in a hole of the second actuating element 56, while a free end of the prestressing element 82 is suspended from the flange 72a of the first stationary plate 72. The prestressing element 82 is arranged to prestress the second actuating element 56 into its rest position against the first actuating element 54. In particular, the pin 56 limits or abuts the first actuating element 54 or limits its movement to provide or define the rest position of the second actuating element 56, as seen in Fig. 16.

[0050] The shift positioning mechanism 76 selectively holds the cable receiving member 58 in one of a plurality of different shift positions (for example, four shift positions in the illustrated embodiment). The four shift positions of the shift positioning mechanism 76 correspond to the four guide positions L1, L2, T1, and T2 of the chain guide 18a (see Fig. 8), as set forth above. Although the shift positioning mechanism is shown configured for a drivetrain with only two front chainrings, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that the shift positioning mechanism 76 may be modified for use with a drivetrain having more than two front chainrings. Likewise, the shift positioning mechanism 76 is not limited to use with a front derailleur. Rather, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that the shift positioning mechanism 76 may be modified for use in a bicycle operating device used for other types of bicycle components.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the shift positioning mechanism 76 essentially comprises a positioning ratchet wheel 84, a positioning pawl or element 86, a release element or plate 88 and a shift position inhibiting element 90 for establishing or providing the four guide positions L1, L2, T1 and T2 of the chain guide 18a (see Fig. 8). The positioning ratchet 84, the release member 88, and the restraining member 90 are arranged coaxially with the cable receiving member 58 on the main switching shaft 60. The positioning ratchet 84 and the restraining member 90 are arranged to rotate together with the cable receiving member 58 on the main switching shaft 60, whereas the release member 88 rotates relative to the cable receiving member 58 on the main switching shaft 60.

[0052] Essentially, the cable receiving member 58 is attached to the positioning ratchet 84, and the positioning pawl or member 86 selectively engages the positioning ratchet 84 to prevent the positioning ratchet 84 and the cable receiving member 58 from rotating due to the biasing force of the biasing member 62. By pivoting the first operating member 54 in the first rotational direction R1, the positioning ratchet 84 can be rotated by the pulling pawl 54a of the first operating member 54 engaging the positioning ratchet 84 to rotate the cable receiving member 58 and the positioning ratchet 84 together in the first rotational direction R1 against the biasing force of the biasing member 62.On the other hand, by rotating the second operating member 56 in the first rotational direction R1, the positioning ratchet 84 can be rotated by means of the release pawl 56a of the second operating member 56 engaging the positioning ratchet 84 to rotate the cable receiving member 58 and the positioning ratchet 84 together in the second rotational direction R2 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 62. The positioning pawl 86 selectively engages the positioning ratchet 84 to prevent the cable receiving member 58 from rotating on the main switching shaft 60 in the second rotational direction R2 as described below.

[0053] The positioning indexing wheel 84 will now be described in more detail. As best seen in Fig. 18, the positioning ratchet 84 is a rigid or mechanically resilient annular element with a circumferential edge or surface 84a and a non-circular central opening 84b. The positioning ratchet 84 is fixedly coupled to the cable receiving element 58 for rotation together with the cable receiving element 58 on the main switching shaft 60. In particular, the non-circular central opening 84b of the positioning ratchet 84 non-rotatably mates with a protruding hub part 58b such that the cable receiving element 58 and the positioning ratchet 84 rotate together as a unit on the main switching shaft 60. In other words, the positioning ratchet 84 rotates together with the cable receiving element 58.Although the cable receiving member 58 and the positioning dial 84 are shown as separate units or parts, it will be appreciated from this disclosure that the cable receiving member 58 and the positioning dial 84 may be formed as one part or integral unit, as needed and / or desired.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral edge 84a of the positioning ratchet 84 includes a first positioning tooth 91, a second positioning tooth 92, a stop tooth 93, a first pull tooth 94, and a second pull tooth 95. Essentially, the positioning pawl 86 selectively engages the positioning teeth 91 and 92 and the stop tooth 93 to maintain a fixed position of the cable receiving member 58 relative to the fixed member (e.g., the bracket 26 together with the stationary plates 72 and 74). On the other hand, the pull pawl 84a selectively engages the pull teeth 94 and 95 to rotate the cable receiving member 58 in the first rotational direction R1, as described below.

[0055] Consequently, the positioning teeth 91 and 92 form stops into which the positioning pawl 86 selectively engages. The positioning teeth 91 and 92 of the positioning ratchet 84 move along a path of movement such that the positioning pawl 86 selectively moves into and out of the path of movement of the positioning teeth 91 and 92 to control the movement of the positioning ratchet 84. The first positioning tooth 91 has a lower engagement portion 91a and a lower trim engagement portion 91b, while the second positioning tooth 92 has an upper engagement portion 92a and an upper trim engagement portion 92b. These engagement portions 91a, 91b, 92a and 92b form the different stop positions of the cable receiving element 58. The lower engagement portion 91a forms a first end position of the cable receiving element 58 with respect to the first and second rotational directions R1 and R2.On the other hand, the upper engagement portion 92a forms a second end position of the cable receiving member 58 with respect to the first and second rotational directions R1 and R2. The lower trim engagement portion 91b and the upper trim engagement portion 92b form intermediate positions of the cable receiving member 58 with respect to the first and second rotational directions R1 and R2.

[0056] The lower engagement portion 91a can also be considered a first engagement portion that engages with the positioning pawl 86 to form the first end position of the cable receiving member 58. The upper engagement portion 92a can also be considered a second engagement portion that engages with the positioning pawl 86 to form a second end position of the cable receiving member 58. The lower trim engagement portion 91b and the upper trim engagement portion 92b can also be considered intermediate engagement portions that individually engage with the positioning pawl 86 to form intermediate positions of the cable receiving member 58 between the lower engagement position 91a and the upper engagement position 92a (the first and second engagement portions).In the illustrated embodiment, the lower trim engagement portion 91b is positioned closer to the lower engagement portion 91a than to either the upper engagement portion 92a or the upper trim engagement portion 92b. Similarly, the upper trim engagement portion 92b is positioned closer to the upper engagement portion 92a than to either the lower engagement portion 91a or the lower trim engagement portion 91b.

[0057] The positioning pawl 86 will now be described in more detail. As best seen in the Fig. 18 to Fig. 32, the positioning pawl 86 is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 78. Specifically, the positioning pawl 86 is movably disposed relative to the fixed member (e.g., the bracket 26 and the stationary plates 72 and 74). In this manner, the positioning pawl 86 moves between a non-holding position and a holding position. The positioning pawl 86 is disposed in the holding position when the switching positioning mechanism 76 is in the rest position. Consequently, in the holding position, the positioning pawl 86 selectively engages one of the first and second positioning teeth 91 and 92 of the positioning switching gear 84 to prevent the cable take-up member 58 from rotating in the second rotational direction R2 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 62.In other words, in the holding position, the positioning pawl 86 selectively engages one of the first and second positioning teeth 91 and 92 of the positioning ratchet 84 to hold the cable take-up member 58 in one of the four chain guide positions L1, L2, T1 and T2 (see . Fig. 8) against rotation due to the biasing force of the biasing element 62. In the non-holding position, the positioning pawl 86 is disengaged from the first and second positioning teeth 91 and 92 of the positioning ratchet 84 due to the release element 88.

[0058] The positioning pawl 86 has a first (holding) tooth 86a that selectively engages the positioning teeth 91 and 92 to maintain a fixed position of the cable receiving element 58 with respect to the fixed element (for example, the clamp together with the stationary plates 72 and 74), as described above. The positioning pawl 86 further has a second (stop) tooth 86b that selectively engages the stop tooth 93 (see Fig. 28) to prevent the cable take-up member 58 from rotating excessively in the second rotational direction R2 during a release operation. Consequently, the positioning pawl 86 integrally includes a stop member having the second (stop) tooth 86b, which moves together with the first (hold) tooth 86a in a rocking motion on the pivot pin 78. After the positioning pawl 86 is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin 78, the stop member of the positioning pawl 86 is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member (e.g., the bracket 26 together with the stationary plates 72 and 74) between a non-stopping or non-restricting position (i.e., the rest position in the illustrated embodiment) and a stop position.The stop position of the second (stopping) tooth 86b prevents movement of the cable take-up member 58 in the second rotational direction R2 when the release member 88 is in the release position. Specifically, the second (stopping) tooth 86b is located in the stop position along the path of the positioning ratchet 84 by means of the release member 88 to catch the stop tooth 93 and prevent the cable take-up member 58 from rotating in the second rotational direction R2. The stop position of the second (stopping) tooth 86b also corresponds to the non-holding position of the first (holding) tooth 86a of the positioning pawl 86. In the non-stop (rest) position, the second (stopping) tooth 86b is located outside the path of the positioning ratchet 84.While the second (stopping) tooth 86b of the stop member and the positioning pawl 86 are illustrated as a single piece member, the second (stopping) tooth 86b of the stop member and the positioning pawl 86 may be separate members coupled together to move together as a unit.

[0059] Under the illustrated embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 14 and Fig. 18, the positioning pawl 86 is biased by a biasing member 96 such that the first (holding) tooth 86a engages with one of the positioning teeth 91 and 92 of the positioning ratchet 84 when the shift positioning mechanism 76 is in the rest position. On the other hand, the second (stop) tooth 86b is located outside the path of the positioning teeth 91 and 92 and the stop tooth 93 while the shift positioning mechanism 76 is in the rest position. In this way, the first (holding) tooth 86a automatically engages the positioning teeth 91 and 92 during a shift operation due to the biasing force of the biasing member. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 96 is a torsion spring whose coiled portion is disposed on the pivot pin 78.A first free end of the biasing element 96 is arranged in a hole of the positioning pawl 86, while a second free end of the biasing element 96 is hooked into the second stationary plate 74.

[0060] The release element or plate 88 is described in more detail below. As best seen in Fig. 18 to Fig. 32, the release element 88 is a rigid or mechanically resilient component made of a suitable stable material. The release element 88 is movable relative to the fixed element (e.g., the clamp together with the stationary plates 72 and 74) between a non-release position and a release position such that the release element 88 rotates the positioning pawl 86. In particular, the release element 88 is arranged relative to the positioning pawl 86 such that the release element 88 contacts the positioning pawl 86 and disengages the positioning pawl 86 from the positioning ratchet 84 when the release element 88 is in the release position.More specifically, the release member 88 rotates the positioning pawl 86 by contacting the first (hold) tooth 86a so that the first (hold) tooth 86a moves from the hold position to the non-hold position and so that the second (stop) tooth 86b moves from the non-stop position to the stop position.

[0061] As best seen in Fig. 18, the release element 88 has a circumferential edge 88a and a round central opening 88b. The release element 88 is rotatably mounted on the main switching shaft 60 and can rotate relative to the cable receiving element 58 and the positioning switching wheel 84. The release element 88 is biased in the second rotational direction R2 by a biasing element. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 98 is a torsion spring whose coiled portion is mounted on the main switching shaft 60. A first free end of the biasing element 98 is disposed in a hole in the release element 88, while a second free end of the biasing element 98 is engaged with the flange 72a of the first stationary plate 72.

[0062] The peripheral edge 88a of the release member 88 has a first contact part 102 that selectively engages the release pawl 56a of the second actuating member 56 during a release operation of the shift lever 36 in the first rotational direction R1. Specifically, the release pawl 56a engages the first contact part 102 and rotates the release member 88 in the first rotational direction R1 from the non-release (rest) position to the release position when the second actuating member 56 is rotated in the first rotational direction R1 during a release operation of the shift lever 36.

[0063] The peripheral edge 88a of the release member 88 also has a second contact part 100 for moving the pull pawl 54a out of the path of the pull teeth 94 and 95 of the positioning ratchet 84. Specifically, when the release member 88 rotates in the first rotational direction R1, the second contact part 100 comes into contact with the pull pawl 54a to pivot the tooth or stop of the pull pawl 54a out of the path of the pull teeth 94 and 95 of the positioning ratchet 84. In other words, the second contact part 100 pivots the pull pawl 54a from a rest position to a deactivated position when the release member 88 is rotated by the release pawl 56a during a release operation of the shift lever 36 in the first rotational direction R1. In this way, the pull pawl 54a does not engage the pull teeth 94 and 95 of the positioning switching wheel 84 during a release operation of the switching lever 36 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0064] The peripheral edge 88a of the release member 88 has a third contact part 104 for moving the positioning pawl 86 out of engagement with the positioning ratchet 84. Specifically, the third contact part 104 pivots the positioning pawl 86 from the holding position to the non-holding position when the release member 88 is pivoted from the non-releasing (rest) position to the releasing position by the release pawl 56a during a releasing operation of the switching lever 36 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0065] The peripheral edge 88a of the release element 88 has a first stop or abutment 106 and a second stop or abutment 108. The first and second stops 106 and 108 define the range of motion of the release element 88. The first stop 106 is biased against the flange 72a of the first stationary plate 72 by the biasing element 96. Consequently, the first stop 106 establishes the rest position of the release element 88. The second stop 108 limits the range of motion in the first rotational direction R1 of the release element 88.

[0066] The escapement element 90 is now described in detail below. As best seen in Fig. 18, the locking element 90 is a rigid, or mechanically resilient, annular element having a circumferential edge 90a and a non-circular central opening 90b. Essentially, the locking element 90 is coupled to the cable receiving element 58 for rotation together with the cable receiving element 58 and the positioning ratchet 84 on the main switching shaft 60. However, a limited amount of rotational play is provided between the locking element 90 and the cable receiving element 58 and the positioning ratchet 84 on the main switching shaft 60. This limited amount of rotational play is accommodated by a biasing element 110 (e.g., a compression spring) operatively coupled between the cable receiving element 58 and the locking element 90.The preloading element 110 has a first end disposed in a bore in a flange 112 of the restraining element 90 and a second end disposed in a bore formed in the cable receiving element 58. In this way, the restraining element 90 is preloaded in the second rotational direction R2 with respect to the cable receiving element 58 by means of the preloading element 110.

[0067] Specifically, the non-circular center opening 90b of the locking member 90 mates with the protruding hub portion 58b such that the locking member 90 can rotate relative to the positioning ratchet 84 by a predetermined angular movement amount α. In other words, the locking member 90 is movably disposed relative to the positioning ratchet 84. On the other hand, when the reel member (for example, the first actuating member 54 and the positioning ratchet 84 together with the tension pawl 54a and the biasing member 54b) moves the cable take-up member 58 in the first rotational direction R1, the locking member 90 and the cable take-up member 58 move together as a unit.In this manner, the restraining member 90 prevents the positioning pawl 86 from engaging the upper trim engaging portion 92b (i.e., one of the intermediate engaging portions) of the positioning ratchet 84 when the reel member (for example, the first actuating member 54 together with the pulling pawl 54a and the biasing member 54b) moves the cable take-up member 58 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0068] Because of the biasing member 110, the cable take-up member 58 and the restraining member 90 normally move together as a unit on the main shift shaft 60. The exception to this situation, where the cable take-up member and the restraining member 90 move together as a unit, occurs when a release operation is performed, in which the positioning pawl 86 moves from the upper engagement portion 92a to the upper trim engagement portion 92b. In this case, the positioning pawl 86 engages the restraining member 90 to move the restraining member 90 against the biasing force of the biasing member 110. In this manner, the restraining member 90 compresses the biasing member 110 and moves relative to the cable take-up member 58 and the positioning ratchet 84 by the predetermined amount of angular movement α. In other words, the restraining member 90 moves from a blocking position to a release position.Consequently, the locking element 90 rotates together with the cable receiving element 58.

[0069] As best seen in Fig. 18 to Fig. 22, the restraining element 90 has a blocking part 114 extending from the peripheral edge 90a. The blocking part 114 is normally held in a blocking position by the biasing element 110 such that the first (holding) tooth 86a of the positioning pawl 86 cannot engage the upper trim engagement portion 92b during a winding or pulling operation. Consequently, the blocking part 114 aligns with the upper trim engagement portion 92b with respect to the axial direction of the main control shaft 60.

[0070] A cable pulling or winding operation of the switching actuation unit 38 with main reference to the Fig. 19 to Fig. 24 and Fig. 32 is explained below. Fig. 19, Fig. 21 and Fig. 24 represent resting positions, whereas Fig. 20, Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 represent intermediate shift positions. Essentially, cable actuations of the shift actuation unit 38 are performed by the rider pivoting the brake / shift lever 34 about the shift pivot axis P2 in the laterally inward direction toward the bicycle's longitudinal center plane. The brake / shift lever 34 is actuated in a single continuous movement such that the first actuating element 54 moves in a single continuous movement in the first rotational direction R1 from one of the shift or guide positions to the next adjacent shift or guide position.

[0071] As stated above, a cable pulling or winding operation of the shifting actuation unit 38 is carried out by the rider, who pivotally moves the brake / shift lever 34. This pivoting movement of the brake / shift lever 34 is transmitted to the first actuating element 54 such that the first actuating element 54 is moved in the first rotational direction R1 from its rest position (for example Fig. 19, Fig. 21 and Fig. 24) to an intermediate switching position (for example Fig. 20, Fig. 22 and Fig. 23). When the first actuating element 54 rotates in the first rotational direction R1, the stop or contact part 54d of the first actuating element 54 contacts the pin 56d, which in turn rotates the release pawl 56a against the biasing force of the biasing element 56b into a non-engaged position, as seen in Fig. 20 and Fig. 22. Likewise, the tension pawl 54a engages one of the first and second tension teeth 94 and 95 of the positioning ratchet 84 to rotate the cable receiving member 58, the positioning ratchet 84, and the arresting member 90 in the first rotational direction R1 when the first actuating member 54 rotates in the first rotational direction R1. When the positioning ratchet 84 rotates in the first rotational direction R1, the first (holding) tooth 86a of the positioning pawl 86 selectively engages the nearest one of the engaging portions 91a, 91b, and 92a of the positioning teeth 91 and 92. As mentioned above and as seen Fig. 22, the first (holding) tooth 86a of the positioning pawl 86 is prevented from engaging the upper trim engagement portion 92b during a cable winding or pulling operation. When the user releases the brake / shift lever 34, the cable take-up member 58, the positioning ratchet wheel 84, and the arresting member 90 are now held in the next position. The first actuating member 54 will then return to the rest position by means of the biasing member 80, and the second actuating member 56 will then return to the rest position by means of the biasing member 82.

[0072] In the following, a cable release operation of the switch operating unit 38 is described with main reference to the Fig. 24 to Fig. 31. Cable release operations of the shift operating unit 38 are performed by the rider pivoting the shift lever 36 about the shift pivot axis P3 in the laterally inward direction toward the bicycle's longitudinal center plane. The shift lever 36 is actuated in a single continuous movement such that the second actuating element 56 moves in a single continuous movement in the first rotational direction R1 from the present shift position to the next adjacent shift position.

[0073] As seen in Fig. 24, the shift operating unit 38 is in a fully wound position, so that the positioning pawl 86 contacts the upper engagement portion 92a of the positioning tooth 92 of the positioning ratchet wheel 84. As stated above, a cable release operation of the shift operating unit 38 is performed by a driver pivotally moving the shift lever 36. This pivotal movement of the shift lever 36 is transmitted to the second operating element 56 by means of the shift lever 36, which contacts and pushes a contact flange of the second operating element 56, so that the second operating element 56 is rotated in the first rotational direction R1 from its rest position ( Fig. 24 or Fig. 26) into its release position ( Fig. 25, Fig. 27 or Fig. 28) is moved.

[0074] When the second operating member 56 moves in the first rotational direction R1 due to a cable release operation of the switching operating unit 38, the release pawl 56a engages the first contact part 102 of the release member 88 to move the release member 88 in response to the movement of the second operating member 56. This movement of the release member 88 causes the third contact part 104 to disengage the positioning pawl 86 from the positioning switching wheel 84 ( Fig. 25, Fig. 27 or Fig. 28) to allow the cable take-up member 58, the positioning ratchet, and the restraining member 90 to rotate in the second rotational direction R2 under the applied force of the biasing member 62. When the user releases the shift lever 36, the second actuating member 56 returns to the rest position due to the biasing member 82. In the event of a shift from the upper engagement portion 92a to the upper trim engagement portion 92b, the first (retaining) tooth 86a will compress the biasing member 110 such that the restraining member 90 rotates relative to the positioning ratchet 84. In this manner, the first (retaining) tooth 86a engages the upper trim engagement portion 92b during a cable release operation.

[0075] The inhibiting element 90 is described in more detail below. As best seen in Fig. 18 to Fig. 32, the restraining member 90 is movably disposed with respect to the positioning ratchet 84 such that the restraining member 90 prevents the positioning pawl 86 from engaging with the upper trim engaging portion 92b (i.e., one of the intermediate engaging portions) of the positioning ratchet 84 while the reel member (for example, the first actuating member 54 together with the pulling pawl 54a and the biasing member 54b) moves the cable take-up member 58 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0076] The restraining element 90 is preloaded in the second rotational direction R2 with respect to the cable receiving element 58 by a biasing element. The biasing element is arranged between the restraining element 90 and the cable receiving element 58 such that the restraining element 90 and the cable receiving element 58 move together as a unit when the reel element (for example, the first actuating element 54 together with the pull pawl 54a and the biasing element 54b) moves the cable receiving element 58 in the first rotational direction R1.

[0077] As best seen in Fig.18, the locking element 90 is a rigid or mechanically resilient annular element having a circumferential edge 90a and a non-circular central opening 90b. The locking element 90 is fixedly coupled to the cable receiving element 58 to move together with the cable receiving element 58 on the main shift shaft 60. In particular, the non-circular central opening 90b of the locking element 90 non-rotatably mates with a protruding hub part 58b such that the cable receiving element 58 and the locking element 90 move together as a unit on the main shift shaft 60. In other words, the locking element 90 forms a locking element that rotates together with the cable receiving element 58.

Claims

[1] Bicycle operating device (12) comprising: a fixed element (26); a reel element (54) movably arranged with respect to the fixed element (26); a receiving element (58) movably arranged with respect to the fixed element (26) in a first direction (R1) and a second direction (R2) which is different from the first direction (R1); a positioning element (86) movably arranged with respect to the fixed element (26) such that the positioning element (86) moves between a non-holding position and a holding position, preventing the receiving element (58) from moving in the second direction (R2); a positioning indexing wheel (84) fixedly coupled to the receiving element (58) for moving together with the receiving element (58), wherein the positioning indexing wheel (84) has a first engagement portion (91a) defining a first lower chain guide position (L1) and is selectively engageable with the positioning element (86), a second engagement portion (92a) defining a second upper chain guide position (T2) and is selectively engageable with the positioning element (86), and a first trimming engagement portion (91b) defining a second lower chain guide position (L2) and a second trimming engagement portion (92b) defining a first upper chain guide position (T1) and is selectively engageable with the positioning element (86), wherein the first and second trimming engagement portions (91b, 92b),is arranged between the first engagement portion (91a) and the second engagement portion (92a), with respect to the first and second directions (R1, R2), and wherein the first engagement portion (91a) and the first trim engagement portion (91b) are formed on a first positioning tooth (91) of the positioning switching wheel (84) and the second trim engagement portion (92b) and the second engagement portion (92a) are formed on a second positioning tooth (92) of the positioning switching wheel (84), and, a restraining member (90) movably arranged with respect to the positioning indexing wheel (84) such that the restraining member (90) prevents the positioning member (86) from engaging with the second trim engagement portion (92b) of the positioning indexing wheel (84) when the reel member (54) moves the take-up member (58) in the first direction (R1). [2] Bicycle operating device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element (58) is rotatably mounted on the fixed element (26) about a rotation axis. [3] Bicycle operating device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inhibiting element (90) is prestressed in the second direction (R2) with respect to the receiving element (58) by means of a prestressing element. [4] Bicycle operating device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking element (90) is biased in the second direction (R2) with respect to the receiving element (58) by means of a biasing element, the biasing element being arranged between the locking element and the receiving element such that the locking element and the receiving element move together as a unit when the reel element rotates the receiving element in the first direction (R1). [5] A bicycle operating device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second trim engagement portion (92b) is arranged closer to the second engagement portion (92a) than to the first engagement portion (91a). [6] Bicycle operating device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first engagement portion engages with the positioning element (86) to establish a first end position of the receiving element and the second engagement portion engages with the positioning element (86) to establish a second end position of the receiving element (58). [7] Bicycle operating device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first trim engagement portion (91b) is arranged between the first engagement portion (91a) and the second trim engagement portion (92b). [8] The bicycle operating device (12) according to claim 7, wherein the second trim engagement portion (92b) is positioned closer to the second engagement portion (92a) than to the first trim engagement portion (91b), and the first trim engagement portion (91b) is arranged closer to the first engagement portion (91a) than to the second trim engagement portion (92b). [9] Bicycle operating device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a release element (88) movably arranged with respect to the fixed element (26) between a non-release position and a release position, wherein the release element (88) is arranged with respect to the positioning element (86) such that the release element disengages the positioning element (86) from the positioning ratchet (84) when the release element is in the release position. [10] Bicycle operating device (12) according to claim 9, further comprising a stop member having a stop tooth and wherein the stop member is movably mounted with respect to the fixed member between a non-stop position and a stop position to prevent movement of the receiving member (58) in the second direction (R2) when the release member is in the release position, in particular the stop member and the positioning member (86) are coupled together to move as a unit. [11] Bicycle operating device (12) according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the positioning member (86) selectively engages the second trim engagement portion (92b) of the positioning ratchet wheel (84) when the receiving member (58) moves in the second direction (R2) as a result of actuation of the release member (88) from the non-release position to the release position.

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