Operating device for human-powered vehicle

Abstract

An operating device is configured for use in a human-powered vehicle and includes a positioning ratchet, a positioning member, and a pull pawl. The positioning member includes a positioning pawl that moves between a held position and a released position. The positioning pawl engages the positioning ratchet to selectively establish a predetermined position in the held position. The positioning pawl disengages from the positioning ratchet, causing the positioning ratchet to move in a second direction. The pull pawl includes a first contact member, a second contact member, and a stop member. The first contact member engages a first group of teeth on the positioning ratchet to move the positioning ratchet in the first direction. The second contact member engages a second group of teeth on the positioning ratchet to move the positioning ratchet in the first direction. The stop member contacts the positioning ratchet to prevent the second contact member from engaging the first group of teeth.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an operating device configured for use in human-powered vehicles. Prior Technology

[0002] Human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, typically feature one or more control mechanisms for operating one or more components. In the case of bicycles, examples of these components include the derailleur (e.g., derailleurs or internal derailleur hubs), suspension, and seatpost. The control mechanisms are usually located on the human-powered vehicle in a position that allows the rider easy access (e.g., on the handlebars). The control mechanisms are often connected to the components, for example, using a bundling control cable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, this disclosure relates to various features of the operating mechanisms for human-powered vehicles. As used herein, "human-powered vehicle" means a vehicle that can be driven at least by human power, but excludes vehicles that use driving forces other than human power alone. Specifically, vehicles that use only internal combustion engines as their driving force are not included in human-powered vehicles. Human-powered vehicles are generally conceived as compact, lightweight vehicles that sometimes do not require a license for driving on public roads. There is no limitation on the number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, recumbent bikes, and e-bikes.

[0004] In view of the state of the prior art and according to the first aspect of this disclosure, an operating device is configured to substantially include a support structure, a positioning ratchet, a positioning member, and a pull pawl. The positioning ratchet is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The positioning ratchet includes a plurality of ratchet teeth. The positioning member includes a positioning pawl, which is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure between a held position and a released position. When the positioning pawl is in the held position, it engages the positioning ratchet to selectively establish a plurality of predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet relative to the support structure. When the positioning pawl is in the released position, it disengages from the positioning ratchet to allow the positioning ratchet to move relative to the support structure in the second direction. The pull pawl includes a first contact member, a second contact member spaced apart from the first contact member, and a first abutment member spaced apart from the first and second contact members. The first contact member of the pull pawl is configured to selectively engage a first group of teeth of the ratchet teeth to move the positioning ratchet in the first direction. The second contact member of the pull pawl is configured to selectively engage the second group of ratchet teeth to move the positioning ratchet in the first direction. The first abutment member of the pull pawl is configured to selectively contact the positioning ratchet to prevent the second contact member from engaging the first group of ratchet teeth.

[0005] Using the operating device according to the first aspect, it is possible to reliably rotate the positioning ratchet in the first direction by using the pulling pawl.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the first aspect is configured such that the pull pawl further includes a second abutment member that selectively contacts the positioning ratchet to prevent the first contact member from engaging the second group of teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0007] Using the operating device according to the second aspect, it is possible to rotate the positioning ratchet more reliably in the first direction by using the pulling pawl.

[0008] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the second aspect is constructed such that the pull pawl includes a protrusion, the protrusion including a second abutment member positioned on a first side of the protrusion and a second contact member positioned on a second side of the protrusion, the movement of the first side of the protrusion relative to the positioning ratchet being opposite to the movement of the second side of the protrusion.

[0009] By using the operating device according to the third aspect, it is possible to rotate the positioning ratchet more reliably in the first direction by using the pulling pawl.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured such that the positioning pawl is configured to disengage the pulling pawl from the positioning ratchet.

[0011] Using the operating device according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to rotate the positioning ratchet without interference from the positioning pawl during the release of the positioning ratchet.

[0012] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the positioning pawl is configured to contact the disengagement part of the pull pawl in response to the disengagement movement of the positioning pawl from the positioning ratchet, so as to move the pull pawl.

[0013] Using the operating device according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to easily move the pulling pawl away from the positioning ratchet with a simple construction.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, an operating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is constructed such that the pull pawl is mounted in a manner that allows it to pivot relative to the support structure about a pivot axis, and a first contact member is positioned between a second contact member and the pivot axis of the pull pawl.

[0015] By utilizing the operating device according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to make the operating device compact and at the same time robust.

[0016] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the sixth aspect is constructed such that the first abutting member is positioned between the first contact member and the pivot axis of the pull pawl.

[0017] By utilizing the operating device according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to make the operating device more compact and at the same time more robust.

[0018] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects further includes a pull rod configured to move relative to the support structure from a stationary position to an operating position, wherein a pull pawl is movably disposed on the pull rod to selectively engage the ratchet teeth of a positioning ratchet.

[0019] Using the operating device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide a simple structure for rotating the positioning ratchet in the first direction.

[0020] According to the ninth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the eighth aspect is constructed such that the pull pawl is biased toward engaging with the positioning ratchet.

[0021] Using the operating device according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to quickly engage the pulling pawl with the positioning ratchet in response to the operation of the pulling rod.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects further includes a first release member supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure between a first position and a second position. The first release member is operatively coupled to a positioning pawl to move the positioning pawl from a held position to a released position in response to the first release member moving from the first position to the second position.

[0023] Using the operating device according to the tenth aspect, it is possible to reliably control the movement of the positioning ratchet by using the first release member during the release operation.

[0024] According to the eleventh aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the tenth aspect further includes a release lever configured to be movable relative to the support structure to move the first release member from a first position to a second position.

[0025] Using the operating device according to the eleventh aspect, it is possible for the user to easily move the first release member from the first position to the second position.

[0026] According to the twelfth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the eleventh aspect is constructed such that the release lever is configured to pivot from a stationary position to a first operating position in a first operating direction relative to the support structure about a first lever pivot axis, and to pivot from a stationary position to a second operating position in a second operating direction different from the first operating direction relative to the support structure about a second lever pivot axis.

[0027] Using the operating device according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to operate the release lever in two different directions to perform the release operation.

[0028] According to a thirteenth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects further includes a second release member, which is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure between an initial position and an actuated position. The second release member is moved from the initial position toward the actuated position by means of a first release member that moves from the first position toward the second position. The positioning pawl is moved from a held position to a released position by means of the second release member that moves from the initial position toward the actuated position.

[0029] Using the operating device according to aspect thirteen, it is possible to reliably control the movement of the positioning ratchet by using the second release member in conjunction with the first release member during the release operation.

[0030] According to the fourteenth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the thirteenth aspect is constructed such that the first release member includes a plurality of release pawls, the plurality of release pawls being configured to sequentially contact the release portion of the second release member in response to a single progressive release operation of the first release member from a first position, so as to change multiple of the predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet.

[0031] Using the operating device according to aspect fourteen, it is possible to achieve multiple release operations in a single continuous release operation.

[0032] According to the fifteenth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the tenth to fourteenth aspects is constructed such that the first release member is biased toward the first position by a biasing element.

[0033] Using the operating device according to aspect fifteen, it is possible for the first release member to return to the ready position after the first release member has been moved to the second position.

[0034] According to the sixteenth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects further includes a stop pawl, which is configured to move relative to the support structure between a stop position in which the stop pawl stops the release movement of the positioning ratchet and a non-stop position in which the stop pawl allows the release movement of the positioning ratchet.

[0035] Using the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to restrict the release movement of the positioning ratchet so that only one ratchet position is released during the release operation.

[0036] According to the seventeenth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed such that the positioning member includes a stop pawl, such that the positioning pawl and the stop pawl are pivotally mounted to the support structure as a single unit.

[0037] By utilizing the operating device according to aspect seventeen, it is possible to simplify the construction of the positioning pawl and the stopping pawl.

[0038] According to the eighteenth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects further includes a wire winder disposed on a positioning ratchet.

[0039] Using the operating device according to aspect eighteen, it is possible to operate the cable actuation assembly using the operating device.

[0040] According to the nineteenth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to the eighteenth aspect is constructed such that the wire winder and the positioning ratchet are biased relative to the support structure in the release direction.

[0041] Using the operating device according to aspect nineteen, it is possible to reliably release the cable from the operating device.

[0042] According to the twentieth aspect of this disclosure, the operating device according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects further includes a handlebar attachment coupled to a support structure.

[0043] Using the operating device according to aspect 20, it is possible to attach the operating device to the handlebars to improve the operability of the operating device.

[0044] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed operating device will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein preferred embodiments of the operating device are disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0045] A schematic embodiment is now shown with reference to the accompanying drawings that form part of this original disclosure.

[0046] [Figure 1] is a top view of a portion of the handlebars of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) equipped with an operating device according to an illustrative embodiment, wherein a first user operating member (i.e., a release lever) and a second user operating member (i.e., a pull lever) are in the stationary position.

[0047] [Figure 2] is a top view of the operating device coupled to the handlebars as shown in Figure 1, wherein the release lever has been moved from the stationary position to the first operating position in the first operating direction to perform the cable release operation.

[0048] [Figure 3] is a top view of the operating device coupled to the handlebars as shown in Figures 1 and 2, wherein the release lever has been moved from the stationary position to the second operating position in the second operating direction to perform the cable release operation.

[0049] [Figure 4] is a top view of the operating device coupled to the handlebars as shown in Figures 1 to 3, wherein the pull rod has been moved from the stationary position to the operating position in the third operating direction to perform the cable pulling operation.

[0050] [Figure 5] is a perspective view of the operating device shown in Figures 1 to 4, in which the housing has been removed to expose the internal components of the operating device.

[0051] [Figure 6] is a partial exploded perspective view of the internal components of the operating device shown in Figure 5.

[0052] [Figure 7] is a top view of selected internal components of the operating device shown in Figures 1 to 6, wherein the release lever and the pull lever are in their rest positions.

[0053] [Figure 8] is a bottom view of selected internal components of the operating device shown in Figure 7, with the release lever and the pull lever in their rest positions.

[0054] [Figure 9] is a side view of selected internal components of the operating device shown in Figures 7 and 8, wherein the release lever and the pull lever are in their rest positions.

[0055] [Figure 10] is a further partially exploded perspective view of the internal components of the operating device shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0056] [Figure 11] is a further partial exploded perspective view of selected internal components of the operating device shown in Figure 10.

[0057] [Figure 12] is a first perspective view of selected internal components of the operating device shown in Figure 11, showing the positioning mechanism and selected internal components associated with the release and pull operations.

[0058] [Figure 13] is a second perspective view of the positioning mechanism of the operating device shown in Figure 12 and selected internal components associated with the release and pull operations.

[0059] [Figure 14] is a top view of the positioning mechanism and other selected internal components of the operating device shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0060] [Figure 15] is a top view of the positioning mechanism and other selected internal components of the operating device shown in Figures 12 to 14, but the second release member has been removed.

[0061] [Figure 16] is a top view of a portion of the positioning mechanism of the operating device shown in Figures 1 to 6, showing an adjusting member for adjusting the biasing force of the biasing element used for positioning the member, wherein the adjusting member is in the high biasing force position.

[0062] [Figure 17] Similar to Figure 16, this is a top view of this part of the positioning mechanism, where the adjusting member is in the high bias pressure position, but the top plate is shown in dashed lines.

[0063] [Figure 18] is a top view of this part of the positioning mechanism shown in Figures 16 and 17, but the adjusting member is located in the middle bias position.

[0064] [Figure 19] is a top view of this part of the positioning mechanism shown in Figures 16 to 18, but with the adjusting member in the low bias pressure position.

[0065] [Figure 20] is a top view of a portion of the release lever and the first release member of the operating device shown in Figures 1 to 4, wherein the release lever and the first release member are in the stationary position.

[0066] [Figure 21] is a top view of a portion of the release lever and the first release member shown in Figure 20, wherein the release lever and the first release member are moved to complete the first release stage and begin the second release stage.

[0067] [Figure 22] is a top view of a portion of the release lever and the first release member shown in Figures 20 and 21, wherein the release lever and the first release member are moved to complete the second release stage and begin the third release stage.

[0068] [Figure 23] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 1 to 4, wherein the release lever and the pull lever are in their stationary positions and the positioning pawl engages with the positioning ratchet to establish one of the predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet.

[0069] [Figure 24] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figure 23, wherein the release lever has been moved from the stationary position in Figure 23 toward the operating position in the first operating direction, such that the second release member engages with the first release member to initiate the cable release operation.

[0070] [Figure 25] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 and 24, wherein the release lever has been further moved in the first operating direction from the position in Figure 24 toward the operating position, such that the first release member pivots together the second release member and the positioning pawl toward the cable release position, and the positioning pawl begins to pivot the pull pawl away from the positioning ratchet.

[0071] [Figure 26] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 25, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 25 in the first operating direction, such that the first release member continues to pivot the second release member and the positioning pawl together toward the cable release position, which causes the contact portion of the second release member to be moved into the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet and the positioning pawl to pull the pawl to pivot away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0072] [Figure 27] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 26, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position of Figure 26 in the first operating direction, such that the first release member continues to pivot the second release member and the positioning pawl together toward the cable release position, which causes the positioning ratchet to begin to rotate and the contact portion of the second release member to contact one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0073] [Figure 28] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 27, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position of Figure 27 in the first operating direction, such that the positioning pawl disengages from the positioning pawl and one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet contacts the contact portion of the second release member, thereby pivoting the second release member relative to the positioning pawl, which causes the second release member to move away from engagement with the first release member.

[0074] [Figure 29] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 28, wherein the release lever is in the same position as shown in Figure 28, but wherein the positioning ratchet rotates in the cable release direction, which in turn causes the positioning pawl to rotate back into the path of the positioning ratchet and causes the second release member to move beyond the first release tooth of the first release member.

[0075] [Figure 30] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 29, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position of Figure 29 in the first operating direction, such that the first release stage is completed and the first release member engages the second release member to prepare for the second release stage, and such that the positioning ratchet engages the positioning pawl.

[0076] [Figure 31] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 30, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 30 in the first operating direction, such that the first release member pivots together the second release member and the positioning pawl toward the cable release position, and the positioning pawl begins to pivot the pull pawl away from the positioning ratchet.

[0077] [Figure 32] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 31, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 31 in the first operating direction, such that the first release member continues to pivot the second release member and the positioning pawl together toward the cable release position. This causes the second release member to pivot relative to the positioning member as the contact portion moves into the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet and is pivoted away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet as the positioning ratchet pivots. This causes the positioning pawl to pull the pawl pivot away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0078] [Figure 33] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 32, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 32 in the first operating direction, such that the second release stage is completed and the first release member engages the second release member to prepare for the third release stage, and such that the positioning ratchet engages the positioning pawl.

[0079] [Figure 34] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 33, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 33 in the first operating direction, such that the first release member pivots together the second release member and the positioning pawl toward the cable release position, and the positioning pawl begins to pivot the pull pawl away from the positioning ratchet.

[0080] [Figure 35] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 34, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 34 in the first operating direction, such that the first release member continues to pivot the second release member and the positioning pawl together toward the cable release position. This causes the second release member to pivot relative to the positioning member as the contact portion moves into the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet and is pivoted away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet as the positioning ratchet pivots. This causes the positioning pawl to pull the pawl pivot away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0081] [Figure 36] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 35, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 35 in the first operating direction, so that the second release member disengages from the first release member to complete the third release stage.

[0082] [Figure 37] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 36, wherein the release lever has been moved from the position in Figure 36 toward the stationary position in the second operating direction after completing the third release stage.

[0083] [Figure 38] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 37, wherein the release lever has been further moved in the second operating direction from the position in Figure 37 toward the stationary position.

[0084] [Figure 39] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 38, wherein the release lever has been further moved in the second operating direction from the position in Figure 38 toward the stationary position.

[0085] [Figure 40] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 39, wherein the release lever has been further moved in the second operating direction from the position in Figure 39 toward the stationary position.

[0086] [Figure 41] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 40, wherein the release lever has been further moved in the second operating direction from the position in Figure 40 toward the stationary position.

[0087] [Figure 42] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 41, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 41 in the second operating direction, such that the release lever is in the stationary position.

[0088] [Figure 43] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 42, wherein the release lever has been moved from the position in Figure 42 toward the operating position in the second operating direction, such that the second release member engages with the first release member to initiate the cable release operation.

[0089] [Figure 44] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 and 43, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 43 in the second operating direction, such that the first release member pivots together the second release member and the positioning pawl toward the cable release position, and the positioning pawl pulls the pawl away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0090] [Figure 45] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 44, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position in Figure 44 in the second operating direction, such that the first release member continues to pivot the second release member and the positioning pawl together toward the cable release position. This causes the second release member to pivot relative to the positioning member as the contact portion moves into the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet and is pivoted away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet as the positioning ratchet pivots. This causes the positioning pawl to pull the pawl pivot away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0091] [Figure 46] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 45, wherein the release lever has been further moved from the position of Figure 45 in the second operating direction, such that the first release stage is completed and the first release member is ready to re-engage the second release member for another release stage, and such that the positioning ratchet engages the positioning pawl.

[0092] [Figure 47] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 23 to 46, wherein the release lever has been moved from the position in Figure 46 so that the release lever returns to the stationary position.

[0093] [Figure 48] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 1 to 4, wherein the pull rod is in the stationary position and the positioning ratchet is in a first predetermined position corresponding to the fully released position of the positioning ratchet.

[0094] [Figure 49] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figure 48, wherein the pull rod has been moved from the stationary position toward the operating position in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is engaged by the pull pawl of one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to initiate the cable pulling operation.

[0095] [Figure 50] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 and 49, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position in Figure 49 in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is pulled to rotate the pawl and one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet contacts the positioning pawl to begin the path of pivoting the positioning pawl away from the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0096] [Figure 51] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 50, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position in Figure 50 in a third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled to rotate the pawl and the positioning pawl is further pivoted away from the path of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

[0097] [Figure 52] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 51, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position in Figure 51 in a third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl to rotate and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to establish a new position of the positioning ratchet.

[0098] [Figure 53] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 52, wherein the pull rod has been released and begins to return toward the rest position, causing the pull pawl to engage with the positioning ratchet.

[0099] [Figure 54] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 53, wherein the pull rod and pull pawl have returned to their stationary positions.

[0100] [Figure 55] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 54, wherein the pull rod has been moved from the stationary position in Figure 54 toward the operating position in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is engaged by the pull pawl of one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to begin another cable pulling operation.

[0101] [Figure 56] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 55, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position in Figure 55 in a third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to pivot the pull pawl away from the positioning ratchet.

[0102] [Figure 57] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 56, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position of Figure 56 in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl to rotate and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to establish a new position of the positioning ratchet.

[0103] [Figure 58] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 57, wherein the pull rod and pull pawl have returned to their stationary positions.

[0104] [Figure 59] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 58, wherein the pull rod has been moved from the stationary position in Figure 58 toward the operating position in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is engaged by the pull pawl of one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to begin another cable pulling operation.

[0105] [Figure 60] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 59, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position of Figure 59 in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to pivot the pull pawl away from the positioning ratchet.

[0106] [Figure 61] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 60, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position in Figure 60 in a third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl to rotate and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to establish a new position of the positioning ratchet.

[0107] [Figure 62] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 61, wherein the pull rod has been released and begins to return toward the rest position, causing the pull pawl to engage with the positioning ratchet.

[0108] [Figure 63] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 62, wherein the pull rod continues to return toward the stationary position, causing the pull pawl to engage with the positioning ratchet.

[0109] [Figure 64] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 63, wherein the pull rod and pull pawl have returned to their stationary positions.

[0110] [Figure 65] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 64, wherein the pull rod has been moved from the stationary position in Figure 64 toward the operating position in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is engaged by the pull pawl of one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to begin another cable pulling operation.

[0111] [Figure 66] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 65, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position in Figure 65 in a third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to pivot the pull pawl away from the positioning ratchet.

[0112] [Figure 67] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 66, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position of Figure 66 in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl to rotate and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to establish a new position of the positioning ratchet.

[0113] [Figure 68] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 67, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position of Figure 67 in the third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to pivot the pull pawl away from the positioning ratchet.

[0114] [Figure 69] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 68, wherein the pull rod has been further moved from the position in Figure 68 in a third operating direction, such that the positioning ratchet is further pulled by the pawl to rotate and the positioning pawl engages one of the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet to establish a new position of the positioning ratchet.

[0115] [Figure 70] is a top view of selected components of the operating device shown in Figures 48 to 69, wherein the pull rod and pull pawl have returned to their stationary positions. Implementation

[0116] The selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Those skilled in the art of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) will understand from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0117] Referring first to Figures 1 to 4, the operating device 10 is configured for a human-powered vehicle V. Specifically, a portion of the handlebars H of the human-powered vehicle V is shown, according to an illustrated embodiment, equipped with the operating device 10. Here, the human-powered vehicle V is a bicycle, and the operating device 10 is specifically configured as a bicycle operating device 10 for the rear derailleur. However, the operating device 10 can also be used to position other types of components of the bicycle besides the rear derailleur.

[0118] Here, the operating device 10 includes a handlebar attachment 12. The operating device 10 is positioned on the right side of the handlebar H, for example, via the handlebar attachment 12, so that it can be operated by the rider's right hand. Alternatively, the operating device 10 can be configured as a mirror image and positioned on the left side of the handlebar H. Although the handlebar H in the illustrated embodiment is a flat handlebar (MTB handlebar), the operating device 10 can be configured to be mounted on other types of handlebars, such as drop handlebars (road handlebars). The handlebar attachment 12 is configured to be mounted on the handlebar H in a conventional manner. The handlebar attachment 12 is preferably made of a strong, rigid material, such as metal or reinforced resin.

[0119] As shown in Figure 5, the handlebar attachment 12 here includes a handlebar clamp 12a and a locking bolt 12b for locking the handlebar clamp 12a around the handlebar H. Although the handlebar clamp 12a is shown as a single piece (i.e., a non-hinged clamp), the handlebar clamp 12a can be a hinged clamp with a pair of curved jaws, which are pivotally connected at one end and adjustablely coupled at the other end by means of the locking bolt 12b.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG1, the operating device 10 is configured to be operatively coupled to the vehicle (bicycle) assembly VC via a control cable C. Preferably, as seen in FIG1, the control cable C is a conventional bicycle operating cable having an outer jacket C1 covering an inner wire C2. In other words, the control cable C is a bowden cable, wherein the inner wire C2 is slidably received within the outer jacket C1. The inner wire C2 has a cable connector or attachment tube C3 (see FIG9) for attaching the inner wire C2 to the operating device 10, as discussed below. The operating device 10 operates the bicycle assembly VC by selectively pulling and releasing the inner wire C2. Thus, the operating device 10 constitutes a bicycle cable operating device. The operating device 10 includes a housing 14, wherein the inner wire C2 of the control cable C is pulled into and released from the housing 14.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 10 is configured as a gearbox for controlling the gears of a derailleur system (bicycle assembly VC), such as a derailleur or an internal derailleur hub. However, the operating device 10 can be used as a bicycle control device to operate other types of bicycle assemblies (e.g., suspension, adjustable seatpost, etc.) as needed and / or desired. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figures 2 and 3, the operating device 10 has a plurality of predetermined steps or positions. When the bicycle assembly VC is a rear derailleur, the predetermined steps or positions of the operating device 10 correspond to the gears of the rear derailleur.

[0122] To operate the control cable C, the operating device 10 also includes a release lever 16. The release lever 16 is an example of a user-operated lever. In the illustrated embodiment, the release lever 16 is a wire release lever used to release the control cable C from the housing 14. Here, the operating device 10 also includes a pull lever 18. The pull lever 18 is an example of a user-operated lever. In the illustrated embodiment, the pull lever 18 is a wire pull lever used to pull the control cable C into the housing 14. Although the operating device 10 of the illustrated embodiment uses two operating components (e.g., two levers), the operating device 10 is not limited to this particular configuration. For example, the operating device 10 may be reconfigured if needed and / or desired so that the release lever 16 is also used as a pull lever. Thus, the inner wire C2 is ejected from the housing 14 in response to the operation of the release lever 16, and the inner wire C2 is pulled into the housing 14 in response to the operation of the pull lever 18.

[0123] Here, for example, housing 14 includes an upper (first) shell and a lower (second) shell 14b. The upper and lower shells are coupled together by fasteners. The upper and lower shells of housing 14 are rigid components made of a suitable material such as hard plastic or a lightweight metal such as aluminum. However, housing 14 can have a variety of configurations as needed and / or desired. Since the shape, size, and material of housing 14 can practically be any suitable shape, size, and material, the configuration of housing 14 will not be discussed in more detail here.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figures 1 and 2, the release lever 16 can be moved from the stationary position (Figure 1) to the first operating position (Figure 2) in the first operating direction D1 to perform the release operation of the inner thread C2. Also, as seen in Figures 1 to 3, the release lever 16 can be moved from the stationary position (Figure 1) to the second operating position (Figure 3) in the second operating direction D2 to perform the release operation of the inner thread C2. The second operating direction D2 is different from the first operating direction D1. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the second operating direction D2 is opposite to the first operating direction D1. The term "stationary position" as used herein refers to a state in which a component (e.g., the release lever 16) remains stationary, and in this state, the user does not need to hold the component. On the other hand, the terms "operating position" and "actuated position" as used herein refer to a temporary state in which a component (e.g., the release lever 16) is temporarily held in one position due to an external force being input into the operating device 10.

[0125] As explained below, the operating device 10 can be operated in a single, continuous release operation to change multiple predetermined positions based on the amount of movement of the release lever 16 from the stationary position (FIG. 1) in the first operating direction D1. Specifically, when the release lever 16 is operated from the stationary position (FIG. 1) in the first operating direction D1 or the second operating direction D2, one, two, or all three predetermined positions can be changed in a single, continuous release operation of the release lever 16. The number of steps or predetermined positions that occur depends on how far the release lever 16 is moved from the stationary position in the first operating direction D1 or the second operating direction D2.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figures 1 to 4, the pull rod 18 can be moved from a stationary position (Figure 1) to an operating position (Figure 4) in the third operating direction D3 to perform a pulling operation on the inner thread C2. As explained below, the operating device 10 can be operated to change multiple of the predetermined positions in a single continuous pulling operation based on the amount of movement of the pull rod 18 in the third operating direction D3. In particular, when the pull rod 18 is operated in the third operating direction D3 from the stationary position (Figure 1), one, two, or three of the predetermined positions can be changed in a single continuous release operation of the pull rod 18.

[0127] Referring now to Figures 5 to 9, the operating device 10 will now be discussed in more detail. The operating device 10 includes a support structure 20. The support structure 20 supports the internal components of the operating device 10. The release lever 16 is configured to move relative to the support structure 20 from a stationary position to an operating position in a first operating direction D1. The release lever 16 is also configured to move relative to the support structure 20 from a stationary position to an operating position in a second operating direction D2, different from the first operating direction D1.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in Figures 7 and 8, the housing 14 is constructed to cover the internal components of the support structure 20 and the operating device 10. The housing 14 is removably attached to the support structure 20. In the assembled state of the operating device 10, the housing 14 is fixed to the support structure 20. Therefore, the housing 14 can be considered as part of the support structure 20 of the operating device 10. In other words, although the housing 14 is described as a component separate from the support structure 20, the upper and lower shells of the housing 14 can be considered as part of the support structure 20, wherein the housing 14 is a stationary support component integrally formed with the support structure 20.

[0129] As will be explained below, the release lever 16 is configured to pivot relative to the support lever 20 about a first lever pivot axis A1 (see FIG. 11) in a first operating direction D1 from a stationary position (FIG. 1) to a first operating position (e.g., FIG. 2). Here, it is possible that the release lever 16 can change up to three predetermined positions in a single, consecutive release operation in the first operating direction D1. Therefore, the operating device 10 effectively has three first operating positions in the first operating direction D1. Furthermore, the release lever 16 is configured to pivot relative to the support lever 20 about a second lever pivot axis A2 (see FIG. 11) in a second operating direction D2, different from the first operating direction D1, from a stationary position (FIG. 1) to a second operating position (e.g., FIG. 2). For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, it is possible that the release lever 16 can change up to one of the predetermined positions in a single, consecutive release operation in the second operating direction D2. Therefore, the operating device 10 effectively has a second operating position in the second operating direction D2. The pivot axis A1 of the first link is parallel to the pivot axis A2 of the second link. It is possible that, in a single consecutive release operation of the release link 16 in the second operating direction D2, up to three predetermined positions can be changed.

[0130] The pull rod 18 is configured to move relative to the support structure 20 from a stationary position (FIG. 1) to an operating position (FIG. 4). The pull rod 18 pivots about the first rod pivot axis A1 in a third operating direction D3 to perform a pull operation. When the pull rod 18 is operated by the user, the release rod 16 remains stationary in its stationary position. Furthermore, when the release rod 16 is operated by the user in the first operating direction D1 and in the second operating direction D2, the pull rod 18 remains stationary in its stationary position.

[0131] As discussed below, the support structure 20 is a stationary component relative to the handlebar H. Here, the handlebar attachment 12 is coupled to the support structure 20. More precisely, the handlebar attachment 12 is removably attached to the support structure 20. However, alternatively, the handlebar attachment 12 can be directly attached to the housing 14, which in turn is attached to the support structure 20. In the assembled state of the operating device 10, the handlebar attachment 12 is fixed to the support structure 20. Therefore, the handlebar attachment 12 can also be considered as part of the support structure 20 of the operating device 10, wherein the handlebar attachment 12 is a stationary support component integrally formed with the support structure 20.

[0132] Here, the support structure 20 is primarily constructed on the first or base plate 22 and the second or top plate 24. The base plate 22 and the top plate 24 are coupled together to form the internal frame or base component of the operating device 10. The base plate 22 and the top plate 24 are rigid plate components made of a suitable material such as metal or reinforced composite material. Here, the base plate 22 and the top plate 24 are metal plates bent into the shape shown in the drawing.

[0133] As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the support structure 20 further includes a fixing bolt 26 and a fixing nut 28 for coupling the seat plate 22 and the top plate 24 together. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the fixing bolt 26 has a head portion 26a and a shaft portion 26b. The shaft portion 26b is provided with external threads 26c. The fixing nut 28 is screwed onto the external threads 26c of the shaft portion 26b. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, a fixing plate 30 and an anti-rotation buckle 32 can be provided on the support structure 20 to prevent rotation of the fixing nut 28 relative to the support structure 20.

[0134] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the release lever 16 includes an attachment portion 16a disposed inside the housing 14 and a lever portion 16b extending from the attachment portion 16a to the outside of the housing 14. The attachment portion 16a is movably attached to the support structure 20, as discussed below. The attachment portion 16a and the lever portion 16b are formed, for example, from a single metal piece, wherein the lever portion 16b has a plastic user contact portion 16c molded onto the lever portion 16b.

[0135] Similarly, the pull rod 18 includes an attachment portion 18a disposed inside the housing 14 and a rod portion 18b extending from the attachment portion 18a to the outside of the housing 14. The attachment portion 18a is pivotally attached to the support structure 20, as discussed below. The rod portion 18b is configured such that a user moves the rod portion 18b to pivotally pull the rod 18 relative to the support structure 20. The attachment portion 18a and the rod portion 18b are formed, for example, from a single metal piece, wherein the rod portion 18b has a plastic user contact portion 18c molded onto the rod portion 18b.

[0136] In the illustrated embodiment, the release lever 16 is movably mounted to the seat plate 22 of the support structure 20 (see FIG. 11) by means of a support pin 34 defining the pivot axis A1 of the first lever. Specifically, the support pin 34 is fixed to the bottom side of the seat plate 22 by end deformation (riveting) of the support pin 34 in an opening 22a (FIG. 11) in the seat plate 22. The attachment portion 16a has a curved slot 16a1 having a center of curvature located on the pivot axis A1 of the first lever, and the support pin 34 is movably disposed in the curved slot 16a1. In this way, when the release lever 16 is moved in the first operating direction D1 to perform a release operation, the support pin 34 contacts one end of the curved slot 16a1, causing the release lever 16 to pivot on the pivot axis A1 of the first lever.

[0137] The release lever 16 can also pivot about a second lever pivot axis A2 defined by the central axis of the fixing bolt 26. In this case, the release lever 16 is moved in the second operating direction D2 to perform the release operation. By moving the release lever 16 in the second operating direction D2, the release lever 16 pivots on the second lever pivot axis A2 due to the engagement of the support pin 34 with the curved slot 16a1. Therefore, the lever portion 16b is configured such that the user moves the lever portion 16b to pivot the release lever 16 relative to the support structure 20 in either the first operating direction D1 or the second operating direction D2.

[0138] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the handlebar attachment 12 is coupled to the seat plate 22 and the top plate 24. Here, the handlebar attachment 12 is coupled to the seat plate 22 by a first bolt 36 and to the top plate 24 by a second bolt 38. Here, the support structure 20 is also provided with a cylindrical adjuster 40 that is adjustablely coupled to the seat plate 22 to variably fix the contact point at the end of the housing C1 relative to the support structure 20.

[0139] As mentioned above, the release rod 16 and the pull rod 18 are configured to be movable relative to the support structure 20, for both releasing and pulling the inner wire C2 relative to the support structure 20. Specifically, the fixing bolt 26 pivotally supports the release rod 16 and the pull rod 18 to the base plate 22 and the top plate 24. In this manner, the release rod 16 is configured to be movable relative to the base plate 22 from a stationary position (Fig. 1) to a first operating position (Fig. 2) in a first operating direction D1 and to a second operating position (Fig. 3) in a second operating direction D2. Similarly, in this manner, the pull rod 18 is configured to be movable relative to the base plate 22 from a stationary position (Fig. 1) to an operating position (Fig. 4).

[0140] Here, the release lever 16 and the pull lever 18 are biased relative to the support structure 20 to their rest positions. In other words, the release lever 16 and the pull lever 18 are configured to have a trigger action, such that each of the release lever 16 and the pull lever 18 automatically returns to the rest position when moved from the rest position to the operating position and released. In the illustrated embodiment, as seen in FIG11, the biasing element 42 is configured to bias the release lever 16 and the pull lever 18 toward their rest positions. Here, the biasing element 42 is operatively disposed between the release lever 16 and the pull lever 18. The biasing element 42 applies a biasing force to the release lever 16, such that the release lever 16 is biased against the support pin 34 to establish the rest position of the release lever 16. The biasing element 42 also applies a biasing force to the pull rod 18, causing the pull rod 18 to be biased against the downwardly extending flange 22b of the seat plate 22 to establish the stationary position of the pull rod 18. Here, the biasing element 42 is, for example, a torsion spring mounted on the fixing bolt 26.

[0141] As seen in Figures 11 to 15, the operating device 10 further includes a positioning ratchet 44. The positioning ratchet 44 is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure 20 between a plurality of predetermined positions. The positioning ratchet 44 is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure 20 in a first direction R1 and a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1. Here, the positioning ratchet 44 is pivotally mounted on the fixing bolt 26 to pivot about the second rod pivot axis A2. Therefore, the positioning ratchet 44 is configured to pivot about the second rod pivot axis A2. The operating device 10 also includes a positioning member 46. Here, the positioning ratchet 44 includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 44a. The positioning member 46 is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure 20 to selectively engage the ratchet teeth 44a to establish a plurality of predetermined positions. The positioning ratchet 44 and the positioning member 46 define the positioning mechanism of the operating device 10, which is operated in response to the operation of the release rod 16 and the pull rod 18. Here, the positioning member 46 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis A3 that is offset from and parallel to the pivot axes A1 of the first member and A2 of the second member. Specifically, the positioning member 46 is pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 48 supported between the seat plate 22 and the top plate 24. The pivot axis A3 is defined by the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 48.

[0142] Here, the positioning member 46 includes a positioning pawl 46a. As discussed in more detail later, the positioning pawl 46a is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure 20 between a locked position and a released position. When the positioning pawl 46a is in the locked position, it engages the positioning ratchet 44 to selectively establish a predetermined position of the positioning ratchet 44 relative to the support structure 20. That is, when the positioning pawl 46a is in the locked position, it engages with one of the ratchet teeth 44a. When the positioning pawl 46a is in the released position, it disengages from the positioning ratchet 44 to allow the positioning ratchet 44 to move relative to the support structure 20 in the release direction. That is, when the positioning pawl 46a is in the released position, it disengages from the ratchet teeth 44a. During the release operation, as explained below, the positioning pawl 46a disengages from the positioning ratchet 44 when it is in the release position, allowing the positioning ratchet 44 to move relative to the support structure 20 in the second direction R2. As seen in FIG49, the positioning pawl 46a is configured not to engage with any ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 when the positioning ratchet 44 is fully released in the second direction R2, to establish a first or lower position for the positioning ratchet 44 and the wire winder 54.

[0143] In this embodiment, the operating device 10 further includes a stop pawl 46b. As discussed in more detail later, the stop pawl 46b is configured to move relative to the support structure 20 between a stopped position where the stop pawl 46b stops the release movement of the positioning ratchet 44 and a non-stopped position where the stop pawl 46b allows the release movement of the positioning ratchet 44. The stop pawl 46b is configured to ensure that the positioning ratchet 44 moves only one of a predetermined positions within a certain range of movement of the release lever 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 10 can perform up to three release operations using a single progressive movement of the release lever 16 in the first operating direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 10 can perform up to one release operation using a single progressive movement of the release lever 16 in the second operating direction D2. In either case, the stop pawl 46b is configured to restrict the movement of the positioning ratchet 44 during the release operation using the release lever 16, as discussed below. Here, the stop pawl 46b is biased toward the non-stop position, as explained later.

[0144] That is, as seen in Figures 24 to 30, the stop pawl 46b is moved from the non-stop position (Figure 24) to the stop position (Figures 27 and 28) in response to the release operation of the release lever 16. In the non-stop position (Figure 24), the stop pawl 46b is outside the movement path of the ratchet teeth 44a, so that the stop pawl 46b does not contact the ratchet teeth 44a. In the stop position (Figures 27 and 28), the stop pawl 46b is moved into the movement path of the ratchet teeth 44a, so that the stop pawl 46b contacts one of the ratchet teeth 44a to temporarily stop the movement of the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44. Then, the movement of the positioning ratchet 44 moves the stop pawl 46b back to the non-stop position (Figure 30).

[0145] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positioning member 46 includes a stop pawl 46b, such that the positioning pawl 46a and the stop pawl 46b are pivotally mounted to the support structure 20 as a single unit. Here, the stop pawl 46b and the positioning pawl 46a are formed as a single component pivotally mounted to the support structure 20 by means of a pivot pin 48. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning pawl 46a and the stop pawl 46b are a single component pivotally mounted between the seat plate 22 and the top plate 24 by means of a pivot pin 48. Therefore, when the stop pawl 46b moves between a non-stopped position (FIG. 24) and a stopped position (FIGs. 27 and 28), the stop pawl 46b pivots on the pivot axis A3. However, the positioning pawl 46a and the stop pawl 46b can be constructed as separate components pivoting on the same pivot axis, or as separate components pivoting on different pivot axes.

[0146] As seen in Figures 11 and 16 through 19, a biasing element 50 is supported on a pivot pin 48 to bias the positioning pawl 46a toward engagement with the positioning ratchet 44 and to bias the stop pawl 46b away from engagement with the positioning ratchet 44. Here, the biasing element 50 is a spring having a coil section disposed on the pivot pin 48. The biasing element 50 has a first free end 50a that contacts the positioning member 46 and a second end 50b that contacts a portion of the support structure 20. Here, the biasing force acting on the positioning member 46 is adjustable. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 20 is provided with an adjusting member 52 rotatably mounted between the seat plate 22 and the top plate 24. The adjusting member 52 has a first abutment portion 52a, a second abutment portion 52b, and a third abutment portion 52c. By rotating the adjusting member 52, the second end 50b of the biasing element 50 selectively contacts one of the first abutment 52a, the second abutment 52b, and the third abutment 52c. When the adjusting member 52 is rotated so that the first abutment 52a contacts the second end 50b of the biasing element 50, the biasing element 50 is preloaded to generate a high bias pressure. When the adjusting member 52 is rotated so that the second abutment 52b contacts the second end 50b of the biasing element 50, the biasing element 50 is preloaded to generate an intermediate bias pressure. When the adjusting member 52 is rotated so that the third abutment 52c contacts the second end 50b of the biasing element 50, the biasing element 50 is preloaded to generate a low bias pressure.

[0147] As seen in Figures 8 to 10, the operating device 10 further includes a wire winder 54 disposed on a positioning ratchet 44. Essentially, the positioning ratchet 44 is immovably coupled to the wire winder 54, such that the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44 move relative to the support structure 20 as a unit. Therefore, the wire winder 54 is fixed relative to the positioning ratchet 44 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Thus, the position of the wire winder 54 relative to the support structure 20 is selectively established by selectively engaging and disengaging the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning pawl 46a. Here, the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44 are separate components coupled together to move as a unit. Alternatively, the positioning ratchet 44 can be integrally formed as part of the wire winder 54, becoming a single component.

[0148] The wire winder 54 includes a cable holder 54a. The inner wire C2 is attached to the cable holder 54a of the wire winder 54 by a cable attachment sleeve C3. The wire winder 54 is pivotally mounted to the support structure 20 by a fixing bolt 26. The wire winder 54 pivots relative to the support structure 20 in a first direction R1 corresponding to the pulling direction, and pivots relative to the support structure 20 in a second direction R2 corresponding to the release direction.

[0149] Referring to FIG10, preferably, the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44 are biased relative to the support structure 20 in the release direction. A biasing element 56 is disposed between the top plate 24 of the support structure 20 and the wire winder 54 to bias the wire winder 54 in a second direction R2. Here, the biasing element 56 is a coil torsion spring having a first free end engaged in a notch of the wire winder 54 and a second free end engaged in a notch of the top plate 24 of the support structure 20. The biasing element 56 is preferably preloaded to bias the wire winder 54 against the abutment portion 24a of the top plate 24 of the support structure 20 in the second direction R2.

[0150] Alternatively, the operating device 10 may also include a gear indicator operatively coupled to the wire winder 54 to indicate the current gear position of the wire winder 54. Since gear indicators are frequently used in operating devices, the gear indicator operatively coupled to the wire winder 54 will not be shown or discussed in detail here.

[0151] In the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 10 further includes a first release member 60 to enable the release operation of the yarn winder 54. More preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the operating device 10 also includes a second release member 62. The second release member 62 is a separate component distinct from the first release member 60. The operating device 10 can be reconfigured by omitting the second release member 62.

[0152] Basically, the first release member 60 is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure 20 between a first position and a second position. The release lever 16 is movably configured relative to the support structure 20 to move the first release member 60 from the first position to the second position. In this manner, the release lever 16 moves the first release member 60 from the first position to the second position. More preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the first release member 60 is movably supported relative to the support structure 20 to achieve one, two, or three release stages to a predetermined position in a single progressive movement of the release lever 16 from the first position (initial position) of the first release member 60. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first release member 60 is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure 20 between a first position corresponding to the initial or stationary position, a second position corresponding to the first release stage, a third position corresponding to the second release stage, and a fourth position corresponding to the third release stage. Of course, the operating device 10 may be configured to perform a single release operation in a single progressive movement of the release lever 16 from the first position (initial position) of the first release member 60 if needed and / or desired.

[0153] Here, the first release member 60 is configured to pivot relative to the support structure 20 about a pivot axis (here, the second link pivot axis A2) between a first position and a second position in response to movement of the release lever 16 from a stationary position to an operating position in the first operating direction D1. Therefore, the positioning ratchet 44 is configured to pivot about the pivot axis (here, the second link pivot axis A2) of the first release member 60, which is offset from and parallel to the link axis (here, the first link pivot axis A1) of the release lever 16. Furthermore, the positioning pawl 46a is configured to pivot about a pivot axis A3, which is offset from and parallel to the pivot axis (here, the second link pivot axis A2) of the first release member 60.

[0154] Furthermore, the first release member 60 is moved from the first position to the second position in response to the release lever 16 being moved from the resting position in the second operating direction D2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first release member 60 is configured to pivot about the second lever pivot axis A2 when the release lever 16 pivots in the first operating direction D1 or the second operating direction D2. Therefore, the first release member 60 is moved in response to the release lever 16 being operated in the first operating direction D1 or the second operating direction D2 to perform the release operation.

[0155] The first release member 60 is biased toward a first position by a biasing element (e.g., biasing element 42). In the illustrated embodiment, biasing element 42 is used to bias the first release member 60 toward the first position and to bias the release rod 16 and the pull rod 18 to each of their respective rest positions. The biasing element 42 applies a biasing force directly to the pull rod 18 in a second direction R2 about the pivot axis A2 of the second rod.

[0156] Here, the biasing element 42 is, for example, a torsion spring mounted on the fixing bolt 26, wherein the first free end of the torsion spring is hooked onto the pull rod 18, and the second free end of the torsion spring is hooked onto the arm of the first release member 60. The biasing element 42 applies a biasing force directly to the pull rod 18 in the second direction R2 about the second rod pivot axis A2, and applies a biasing force directly to the first release member 60 in the first direction R1 about the second rod pivot axis A2. Therefore, the pull rod 18 and the first release member 60 are biased in opposite directions about the second rod pivot axis A2.

[0157] The release lever 16 engages with the first release member 60, such that the biasing force applied to the first release member 60 by the biasing element 42 is transmitted to the release lever 16, and the user's operating force applied to the release lever 16 is transmitted to the release lever 16. In this way, the release lever 16 is operatively biased by the biasing element 42 against the support pin 34 to establish the resting position of the release lever 16 and the resting position of the first release member 60.

[0158] More specifically, as seen in FIG20, the release lever 16 is shown in a resting position, and the first release member 60 is shown in a first position, which is also a resting position. The release lever 16 includes a force-transmitting protrusion or finger 64 and a force-transmitting surface 66, which engage the first release member 60 when they are in their resting positions, as seen in FIG20. The first release member 60 includes a force-receiving protrusion or finger 68 and a force-receiving surface 70, which engage the release lever 16 when they are in their resting positions, as seen in FIG20. Specifically, when the release lever 16 and the first release member 60 are in their resting positions, the force-transmitting protrusion 64 of the release lever 16 contacts the force-receiving protrusion 68 of the first release member 60, and the force-transmitting surface 66 of the release lever 16 contacts the force-receiving surface 70 of the first release member 60. The contact between the force-transmitting protrusion 64 and the force-receiving protrusion 68, and the contact between the force-transmitting surface 66 and the force-receiving surface 70, are maintained by the biasing force of the biasing element 42. With this configuration, from their resting position, the release lever 16 can be moved in either the first operating direction D1 or the second operating direction D2 to perform a release operation by pivoting the first release member 60 about the second lever pivot axis A2 in the second direction R2. As seen in Figures 23 to 36, when the release lever 16 is moved in the first operating direction D1, the release lever 16 pivots on the first lever pivot axis A1, and the first release member 60 is moved about the second lever pivot axis A2 in the second direction R2. Furthermore, as seen in Figures 23 to 36, depending on the amount of movement of the release lever 16 in the first operating direction D1, one, two, or three release stages are performed at a predetermined position. As seen in Figures 42 to 47, when the release lever 16 is moved in the second operating direction D2, the release lever 16 and the first release member 60 pivot together on the second lever pivot axis A2, so that the first release member 60 is moved about the second lever pivot axis A2 in the second direction R2.

[0159] As seen in Figures 20 to 22, the engagement between the release lever 16 and the first release member 60 allows the user to tactilely feel the action when multiple release stages are performed in a predetermined position. In Figure 20, the release lever 16 contacts the first release member 60 at the first contact point CP1 when the release lever 16 is in the stationary position. Here, in Figure 20, the first contact point CP1 is positioned on the first side of the straight line L1 connecting the lever pivot axis (first lever pivot axis A1) of the release lever 16 and the pivot axis (second lever pivot axis A2) of the first release member 60 when viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (second lever pivot axis A2). Then, when the release lever 16 is operated in the first operating direction D1, the first release member 60 is moved about the second lever pivot axis A2 in the second direction R2.

[0160] In Figure 21, the release lever 16 and the first release member 60 have been moved to a point where the positioning pawl 46a disengages from one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 in response to the first release member 60 moving from the first position (Figure 20) to the second position (Figure 21) (see Figure 28). In Figure 21, the release lever 16 contacts the first release member 60 at the intermediate contact point CP1.5. The intermediate contact point CP1.5 is positioned on the straight line L1 when viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (the pivot axis A2 of the second lever).

[0161] Then, when the release lever 16 is further operated in the first operating direction D1 from the position shown in FIG. 21, the first release member 60 is further moved about the second lever pivot axis A2 in the second direction R2, as shown in FIG. 22. In FIG. 22, the release lever 16 contacts the first release member 60 at the second contact point CP2 when the release lever 16 is in the operating position (FIG. 22). Now, the second contact point CP2 is positioned on a second side that is different from the straight line L1 when viewed in a direction parallel to the pivot axis (the second lever pivot axis A2). In the position of FIG. 22, the release lever 16 and the first release member 60 have been moved to a point where the positioning pawl 46a disengages from the second of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 in response to the first release member 60 moving from the second position (FIG. 21) to the third position (FIG. 22) (see FIG. 32). Because contact points CP1, CP1.5, and CP2 shift relative to line L1 when the release lever 16 is operated in the first operating direction D1, the user can feel the different lever operating forces generated when operating the lever 16 from one release stage to the next. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the lever release force increases after the release lever 16 reaches the intermediate contact point CP1.5, indicating that the first release stage has been completed and the second release stage is about to begin. Similarly, the lever operating force increases after the release lever 16 reaches the second contact point CP2, indicating that the second release stage has been completed and the third release stage is about to begin.

[0162] As shown in Figure 36, the release lever 16 has a first stop 71 and a second stop 72. The first stop 71 can contact the support structure 20 to restrict rotation of the release lever 16 in the first operating direction D1. Specifically, the seat plate 22 has a downwardly extending flange 22d, which forms an abutment portion to restrict rotation of the release lever 16 in the first operating direction D1. The second stop 72 can contact the support structure 20 when the release lever 16 is moved in the first operating direction D1 to restrict relative movement between the release lever 16 and the lever axis (second lever pivot axis A2). In other words, during the movement of the release lever 16 in the first operating direction D1, it is possible that the release lever 16 may move relative to the support pin 34 provided in the curved slot 16a1. If the release lever 16 may move relative to the support pin 34, the second stop 72 will contact the downwardly extending flange 22d of the seat plate 22 to limit the amount of movement of the release lever 16 relative to the support pin 34 that defines the pivot axis A2 of the second lever.

[0163] As explained below, the first release member 60 is operatively coupled to the positioning pawl 46a to move the positioning pawl 46a from the held position to the released position in response to the first release member 60 moving from the first position to the second position. In other words, the positioning pawl 46a is disengaged by the first release member 60 moving from the first position to the second position. More precisely, in response to the release operation of the release lever 16, the first release member 60 is moved from the first position to the second position, causing the positioning pawl 46a to disengage from one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. Therefore, the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44 can move in the second direction R2 in response to the release lever 16 being operated in the first operating direction D1 or the second operating direction D2 during the release operation.

[0164] The second release member 62 is supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure 20 between an initial position and a supported position. Specifically, the second release member 62 is pivotally attached to the positioning member 46 about a pivot axis A4 that is offset from and parallel to the positioning pawl 46a. More precisely, the second release member 62 is pivotally attached to the positioning member 46 by means of a pivot pin 74. In this manner, the second release member 62 can pivot together with the positioning member 46 about the pivot axis A3 and relative to the positioning member 46 about the pivot axis A4.

[0165] The second release member 62 moves from its initial position to its actuated position in response to the release lever 16, which moves from its stationary position to its first operating position in the first operating direction D1. Similarly, the second release member 62 moves from its initial position to its stationary position in response to the release lever 16, which moves from its stationary position to its second operating position in the second operating direction D2. Specifically, the second release member 62 is moved from its initial position toward its actuated position by the first release member 60, which moves from its first position toward its second position. Therefore, the positioning pawl 46a is moved from its held position to its released position by the second release member 62, which moves from its initial position toward its actuated position. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the first release member 60 includes a plurality of release pawls 60a, configured to sequentially contact the release portion 62a of the second release member 62 in response to a single progressive release operation of the first release member 60 from its first position, thereby changing multiple of the predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet 44.

[0166] Basically, when the release operation is performed, the user applies an operating force to the release lever 16 in either the first operating direction D1 or the second operating direction D2. This operating force of the release lever 16 is then transmitted to the first release member 60, causing the first release member 60 to pivot about the second lever pivot axis A2 in the second direction R2. The first of the release pawls 60a of the first release member 60 then engages the release portion 62a of the second release member 62, thereby pivoting both the positioning member 46 and the second release member 62 together about the pivot axis A3. This pivoting movement of the positioning member 46 about the pivot axis A3 causes the positioning pawl 46a to disengage from one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. In this way, the positioning ratchet 44 and the wire winder 54 move together in the second direction R2. When the positioning ratchet 44 rotates in the second direction R2, it contacts the second release member 62, pivoting the second release member 62 back to its initial position relative to the positioning member 46 about the pivot axis A4, and then pivoting the positioning member 46 and the second release member 62 together about the pivot axis A3. Specifically, the second release member 62 includes a contact portion 62b. The contact portion 62b is configured to be contacted and moved by the positioning ratchet 44 when it is released from the positioning pawl 46a. That is, the contact portion 62b of the second release member 62 moves into the path of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 as the positioning member 46 and the second release member 62 pivot together about the pivot axis A3. Then, one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 contacts the contact portion 62b of the second release member 62, moving the second release member 62 back to its initial position about the pivot axis A4. The movement of the second release member 62 back to its initial position about the pivot axis A4 causes the release portion 62a of the second release member 62 to disengage from the first release pawl 60a of the first release member 60. In this way, if the user wishes to perform a second release step in a single progressive movement of the release lever 16 (i.e., without moving the release lever 16 back to its resting position), the second release member 62 is ready to re-engage the first release member 60. The pivoting movement of the positioning member 46 and the second release member 62 together about the pivot axis A3 causes the positioning pawl 46a to engage the next adjacent ratchet tooth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. By further manipulating the release lever 16 without moving it back to its resting position, the second and third release pawls 60a of the first release member 60 can sequentially engage the release portion 62a of the second release member 62 in the same manner as discussed above, to perform two additional release steps to the predetermined position of the positioning ratchet 44. When the release member 16 is released and returns to the stationary position, the first release member 60 pivots back to the first position in the second direction R2 about the pivot axis A2 of the second member.

[0167] To ensure proper movement of the second release member 62 during the release operation, the operating device 10 further includes a return guide 22e, and the second release member 62 includes a guided portion 62c. The return guide 22e is configured to guide the second release member 62 back to its initial position after the second release member 62 contacts the positioning ratchet 44, and is moved by the positioning ratchet 44 during the release operation. The return guide 22e is disposed on the base member of the support structure 20. As mentioned above, the base member of the support structure 20 is formed by a seat plate 22 and a top plate 24. Here, the return guide 22e is formed from a portion of the seat plate 22. The return guide 22e is configured to guide the guided portion 62c of the second release member 62 back towards its initial position after the contact portion 62b of the second release member 62 contacts the positioning ratchet 44 during the release operation. Specifically, the guided portion 62c of the second release member 62 contacts the return guide 22e to guide the guided portion 62c of the second release member 62 back to the initial position after the contact portion 62b of the second release member 62 contacts the positioning ratchet 44 during the release operation.

[0168] Alternatively, a biasing element 76 can be provided on the pivot pin 74 to bias the second release member 62 toward the positioning ratchet 44 relative to the positioning pawl 46a. With this configuration, the biasing element 76 is unnecessary and can be omitted. In the case where the biasing element 76 is omitted, the second release member 62 is neither biased toward the initial position nor toward the actuated position.

[0169] The operating device 10 is configured to perform pulling operations on the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44 using the pulling rod 18. The user can perform a single-stage operation of the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44, as seen in Figures 48 to 58, or several-stage operations, as seen in Figures 58 to 70. To achieve the pulling operation of the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44, the operating device 10 also includes a pulling pawl 80. Here, the pulling pawl 80 is mounted in a manner that allows it to pivot relative to the support structure 20 about the pivot axis A5. Specifically, the pulling rod 18 includes a pulling pawl 80 configured to engage the positioning ratchet 44. More precisely, the pulling pawl 80 is movably disposed on the pulling rod 18 to selectively engage the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. In other words, the pull pawl 80 is pivotally mounted on the pull rod 18 to selectively engage the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 in response to the movement of the pull rod 18 from the rest position to the operating position. In this way, the pull pawl 80 is moved by the movement of the pull rod 18 and pivots on the pull rod 18 to selectively engage or disengage the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. Therefore, the positioning ratchet 44 is moved from one of its predetermined positions to a different predetermined position in response to the pull rod 18 being moved from the rest position to the operating position. More precisely, the pull pawl 80 selectively engages one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 during the pull operation to move the wire winder 54 in the first direction R1. As the positioning ratchet 44 moves in the first direction R1 during the pulling operation, the wire winder 54 pivots relative to the support structure 20 in the first direction R1 corresponding to the cable pulling direction. The wire winder 54 can move to one or more predetermined positions depending on the amount of movement of the pulling rod 18 about the second rod pivot axis A2. Therefore, the positioning ratchet 44 moves from one of the predetermined positions to a different predetermined position in response to the pulling rod 18 being moved from the rest position to the operating position. Again, the number of steps or predetermined positions changed depends on how far the user can pivot the pulling rod 18 from the rest position.

[0170] As mentioned above, the pull rod 18 is biased by the biasing force of the biasing element 42 to contact the abutment portion 22b of the seat plate 22, such that the pull pawl 80 is in a ready position for pulling operation. Here, the pull pawl 80 includes protrusions 81, 82, and 83 configured to selectively engage the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 during pulling operation. The pull pawl 80 is pivotally mounted on the pull rod 18 by a pivot pin 84. In this way, protrusions 81, 82, and 83 are selectively pivoted toward and away from the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44.

[0171] Preferably, as in the illustrated embodiment, the pull pawl 80 is biased toward engaging with the positioning ratchet 44. Here, a biasing element 86 is disposed between the pull rod 18 and the pull pawl 80 to engage the pull pawl 80 toward the positioning ratchet 44. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 86 can be a torsion spring having a coil portion mounted on the pivot pin 84 and having opposite free ends that engage with the pull rod 18 and the pull pawl 80, respectively.

[0172] As shown in Figure 48, the pull rod 18 is in the stationary position, and the positioning ratchet 44 is in a first predetermined position corresponding to the fully released position of the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44. In the first predetermined position of the wire winder 54 and the positioning ratchet 44, the protrusion 83 of the pull pawl 80 is biased to contact one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. In this way, the protrusions 81 and 82 of the pull pawl 80 are held not to contact the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44.

[0173] Because the biasing element 86 biases the pull pawl 80 toward the positioning ratchet 44 in the illustrated embodiment, the pull pawl 80 is preferably moved out of the path of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 during the release operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning pawl 46a is configured to disengage the pull pawl 80 from the positioning ratchet 44. Specifically, the positioning pawl 46a is configured to disengage the pull pawl 80 from the positioning ratchet 44 in response to the movement of the positioning pawl 46a from the held position toward the released position. The positioning pawl 46a is configured to contact the disengagement member 88 of the pull pawl 80 in response to the disengagement movement of the positioning pawl 46a from the positioning ratchet 44, thereby moving the pull pawl 80. In this way, the pull pawl 80 does not interfere with the movement of the positioning ratchet 44 in the second direction during the release operation.

[0174] As seen in Figures 49 to 52, when the pull rod 18 is moved from the stationary position toward the operating position in the third operating direction D3, one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 contacts the protrusion 82. Specifically, the pull pawl 80 includes a first contact member 82a. The first contact member 82a is disposed on the protrusion 82 and configured to engage the first ratchet tooth 44a1 of the positioning ratchet 44 for rotating the positioning ratchet 44 in the first direction R1, as seen in Figures 49 to 52. Furthermore, the first contact member 82a is configured to engage the second ratchet tooth 44a2 of the positioning ratchet 44 for rotating the positioning ratchet 44 in the first direction R1, as seen in Figures 49 to 52. Therefore, the first contact member 82a of the pull pawl 80 is configured to selectively engage a first tooth group G1 of the ratchet teeth 44a to move the positioning ratchet 44 in the first direction R1. Here, the first group of teeth G1 of the ratchet teeth 44a includes the first ratchet teeth 44a1 and the second ratchet teeth 44a2.

[0175] As shown in Figure 53, when the pull rod 18 has been released and begins to return to the resting position, the protrusion 81 contacts the edge of the positioning ratchet 44. Specifically, the pull pawl 80 includes a first abutment member 81a. The first abutment member 81a is disposed on the protrusion 81 and configured to engage the edge of the positioning ratchet 44 to hold the protrusions 82 and 83 of the pull pawl 80 out of contact with the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. Here, the first abutment member 81a is positioned between the first contact member 82a and the pivot axis A5 of the pull pawl 80.

[0176] As shown in Figure 54, when the pull rod 18 has reached the stationary position and is in the second predetermined position, none of the protrusions 81, 82, and 83 are in contact with any ratchet teeth 44a or any other part of the positioning ratchet 44. Instead, the free end of the pull pawl 80 rests on the positioning member 46.

[0177] As seen in Figures 55 to 57, when the pull rod 18 is moved again from the stationary position toward the operating position in the third operating direction D3, one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 contacts the protrusion 82. Specifically, the first contact member 82a engages the second ratchet tooth 44a2 of the positioning ratchet 44 to rotate the positioning ratchet 44 in the first direction R1, as seen in Figures 55 to 57.

[0178] As shown in Figure 58, when the pull rod 18 has been released and begins to return to the rest position, the protrusion 82 contacts the third ratchet tooth 44a3 of the positioning ratchet 44. In this position, the protrusions 81 and 83 do not contact any ratchet tooth 44a or any other part of the positioning ratchet 44.

[0179] As seen in Figures 59 to 61, when the pull rod 18 is moved again from the stationary position toward the operating position in the third operating direction D3, the protrusion 83 contacts the third ratchet tooth 44a3 of the positioning ratchet 44. Specifically, the pull pawl 80 includes a second contact member 83a. The second contact member 83a is constructed on the protrusion 83 and is configured to engage the third ratchet tooth 44a3 of the positioning ratchet 44. Specifically, the second contact member 83a engages the third ratchet tooth 44a3 of the positioning ratchet 44 to rotate the positioning ratchet 44 in the first direction R1, as seen in Figures 59 to 61. The second contact member 83a also engages the fourth ratchet tooth via the fourteenth ratchet tooth counting from the third ratchet tooth 44a3 of the positioning ratchet 44 in the second direction. Therefore, the second contact member 83a of the pull pawl 80 is configured to selectively engage a second tooth group G2 of the ratchet teeth 44a to move the positioning ratchet 44 in the first direction R1. Here, the second group of teeth G2 of the ratchet teeth 44a includes the third ratchet teeth 44a3 to the fourteenth ratchet teeth. The first abutment member 81a of the pull pawl 80 is configured to selectively contact the positioning ratchet 44 to prevent the second contact member 83a from engaging the first group of teeth G1 of the ratchet teeth 44a.

[0180] The second contact member 83a is spaced apart from the first contact member 82a. That is, the second contact member 83a is circumferentially spaced from the first contact member 82a relative to the pivot axis A2 of the second rod. Furthermore, the second contact member 83a is further away from the pivot axis A5 of the pull pawl 80 than the first contact member 82a. In other words, the first contact member 82a is positioned between the second contact member 83a and the pivot axis A5 of the pull pawl 80.

[0181] As shown in Figure 62, when the pull rod 18 has been released and begins to return towards the resting position, the protrusion 82 contacts one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 to pivot the pull pawl 80 away from the positioning ratchet 44. As shown in Figure 63, when the pull rod 18 has been moved further towards the resting position, protrusions 82 and 83 engage two adjacent ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44 to prevent each of the protrusions 81, 82, and 83 from moving to fully engage with one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. Therefore, the pull pawl 80 also includes a second abutment member 83b, which selectively contacts the positioning ratchet 44 to prevent the first contact member 82a from engaging the second tooth group G2 of the positioning ratchet 44. That is, the distance between the first contact member 82a and the second abutment member 83b is greater than the distance between adjacent teeth 44a of the second tooth group G2. Here, the protrusion 83 includes a second abutting member 83b positioned on a first side of the protrusion 83 and a second contact member 83a positioned on a second side of the protrusion 81. The movement of the first side of the protrusion 81 relative to the positioning ratchet 44 is opposite to that of the second side of the protrusion 81.

[0182] Then, as seen in Figure 64, when the pull rod 18 has been moved to the stationary position, the protrusion 82 contacts one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44, while the protrusions 81 and 83 do not contact the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44. In this stationary position, the fourth predetermined position is established by the engagement of the positioning pawl 46a with the positioning ratchet 44. Furthermore, now, if another pulling operation is performed, the second contact part 83a of the protrusion 83 is ready to engage one of the ratchet teeth 44a of the positioning ratchet 44.

[0183] As seen in Figures 64 to 70, the pull rod 18 has been moved from the stationary position in Figure 64 in the third operating direction D3 to perform multiple steps or position operations in a single continuous stroke or operation of the pull rod 18. Here, the positioning ratchet 44 is moved from the predetermined position in Figure 64 to two predetermined positions in a single continuous stroke or operation of the pull rod 18, as seen in Figures 64 to 70. More specifically, the positioning ratchet 44 is moved from the position in Figure 64 to one predetermined position to the position in Figure 67 and from the position in Figure 67 to another predetermined position to the position in Figure 69. Figure 70 shows the pull rod 18 returning to the stationary position after completing multiple steps or position operations.

[0184] In understanding the scope of this invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are intended as open-ended terms defining the appearance of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the appearance of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives. Furthermore, the terms "part," "section," "section," "component," or "element," when used in the singular, can have a dual meaning of a single component or a plurality of components, unless otherwise stated.

[0185] The following directional terms used herein, "facing the frame side," "not facing the frame side," "forward," "backward," "front," "back," "up," "down," "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," "vertical," and "cross-section," and any other similar directional terms, refer to those directions in the field of human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) in an upright riding position and equipped with operating mechanisms. Therefore, these directional terms used to describe operating mechanisms should be interpreted relative to human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) in an upright riding position and equipped with operating mechanisms on a horizontal surface. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., bicycle) with reference to the right side, and to indicate "left" when viewed from the rear of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., bicycle) with reference to the left side.

[0186] The term "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "one or more" desired choices. In one example, if the number of choices is two, "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only one single choice" or "both choices". In another example, if the number of choices is equal to or greater than three, "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only one single choice" or "any combination of two choices equal to or greater than two choices".

[0187] Furthermore, it will be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various different components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, the first element discussed above may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the invention, and vice versa.

[0188] The terms "attached" and "attached" as used herein encompass: a configuration in which one element is directly secured to another element by directly fixing it to the other; a configuration in which one element is indirectly secured to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to the other element; and a configuration in which one element and another element are integrally formed (i.e., one element is essentially part of another element). This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as: "joined," "connected," "coupled," "installed," "combined," "fixed," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate a degree of variation in the modified terms such that the final result is not significantly altered.

[0189] Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components can be changed as needed and / or desired, provided that such changes do not materially affect their intended function. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, components shown as directly connected or in contact with each other can have an intermediate structure disposed between them, provided that such changes do not materially affect their intended function. The function of one element can be performed by two elements, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. The structure and function of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. All advantages need not be presented simultaneously in a particular embodiment. Each feature that is unique to the prior art, whether alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description of the applicant's further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features. Therefore, the foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention as defined by the appended patent claims and their equivalents.

[0190] 10: Operating device

[0191] 12: Handlebar Attachment

[0192] 12a: Handlebar clamp

[0193] 12b: Locking bolt

[0194] 14: Shell

[0195] 16: Release lever

[0196] 16a: Attachment

[0197] 16a1: Curved groove

[0198] 16b: Bar section

[0199] 16c: Plastic user contact parts

[0200] 18: Pull rod

[0201] 18a: Attachment

[0202] 18b: Bar section

[0203] 18c: Plastic user contact parts

[0204] 20: Supporting structure

[0205] 22: Seat board

[0206] 22a: Opening

[0207] 22b: Downward extending flange

[0208] 22d: Downward extending flange

[0209] 22e: Return Guide

[0210] 24: Top Slab

[0211] 26: Fixing bolts

[0212] 26a: Head portion

[0213] 26b: Shaft section

[0214] 26c: External thread

[0215] 28: Fixing nut

[0216] 30: Fixing plate

[0217] 32: Anti-rotation buckle

[0218] 34: Support pin

[0219] 36: First bolt

[0220] 38: Second bolt

[0221] 40: Cylindrical Adjuster

[0222] 42: Bias element

[0223] 44: Positioning ratchet

[0224] 44a: Ratchet tooth

[0225] 44a1: First ratchet tooth

[0226] 44a2: Second ratchet tooth

[0227] 44a3: Third ratchet tooth

[0228] 46: Positioning components

[0229] 46a: Positioning pawl

[0230] 46b: Stopped pawl

[0231] 48: Pivot pin

[0232] 50: Bias element

[0233] 50a: First free end

[0234] 50b: Second end

[0235] 52: Adjusting components

[0236] 52a: First anchorage section

[0237] 52b: Second anchorage

[0238] 52c: Third Support Section

[0239] 54: Thread winder

[0240] 54a: Cable Holder

[0241] 56: Bias element

[0242] 60: First release component

[0243] 60a: Release the pawl

[0244] 62: Second release component

[0245] 62a: Release portion

[0246] 62b: Contact portion

[0247] 62c: Guided section

[0248] 64: Force transmission convex part

[0249] 66: Force Transmission Surface

[0250] 68: Force receiving protrusion

[0251] 70: Force receiving surface

[0252] 71: First stop

[0253] 72: Second stop

[0254] 74: Pivot pin

[0255] 76: Bias element

[0256] 80: Pull the pawl

[0257] 81:convex part

[0258] 81a: First abutment component

[0259] 82:convex part

[0260] 82a: First contact component

[0261] 83:convex part

[0262] 83a: Second contact component

[0263] 83b: Second abutment component

[0264] 84: Pivot pin

[0265] 86: Bias element

[0266] 88: Detachable component

[0267] A1: Pivot axis of the first member

[0268] A2: Pivot axis of the second member

[0269] A3: Pivot axis

[0270] A4: Pivot axis

[0271] A5: Pivot axis

[0272] C: Control cable

[0273] C1: Outerwear

[0274] C2: Inner thread

[0275] C3: Cable splice tube

[0276] CP1: First contact point

[0277] CP1.5: Intermediate contact point

[0278] CP2: Second contact point

[0279] D1: First Operating Direction

[0280] D2: Second Operating Direction

[0281] D3: Third Operating Direction

[0282] G1: First tooth group

[0283] G2: Second tooth group

[0284] H: Handlebar

[0285] L1: Straight line

[0286] R1: First direction

[0287] R2: Second direction

[0288] V: Human-powered vehicles

[0289] VC: Vehicle Components

Claims

1. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, the operating device comprising: a support structure; a positioning ratchet configured to be movable relative to the support structure in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the positioning ratchet including a plurality of ratchet teeth; a positioning member including a positioning pawl configured to be movable relative to the support structure between a engaged position and a released position, the positioning pawl engaging the positioning ratchet in the engaged position to selectively establish a plurality of predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet relative to the support structure, and the positioning pawl disengaging from the positioning ratchet in the released position to allow the positioning ratchet to be released. The wheel moves relative to the support structure in the second direction; and the pull pawl includes a first contact member, a second contact member spaced apart from the first contact member, and a first abutment member spaced apart from the first contact member and the second contact member, the first contact member of the pull pawl being configured to selectively engage a first group of teeth of the ratchet teeth to move the positioning ratchet in the first direction, the second contact member of the pull pawl being configured to selectively engage a second group of teeth of the ratchet teeth to move the positioning ratchet in the first direction, and the first abutment member of the pull pawl being configured to selectively contact the positioning ratchet to avoid the second contact member engaging the first group of teeth of the ratchet teeth.

2. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pull pawl further includes a second abutment member that selectively contacts the positioning ratchet to prevent the first contact member from engaging the second group of teeth of the positioning ratchet.

3. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pull pawl includes a protrusion, the protrusion including a second abutment member positioned on a first side of the protrusion and a second contact member positioned on a second side of the protrusion, the movement of the first side of the protrusion relative to the positioning ratchet being opposite to the movement of the second side of the protrusion.

4. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle, as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the positioning pawl is configured to disengage the pulling pawl from the positioning ratchet.

5. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the positioning pawl is configured to contact the disengagement part of the pull pawl in response to disengagement movement of the positioning pawl from the positioning ratchet, thereby moving the pull pawl.

6. An operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pull pawl is mounted in a manner that allows it to pivot relative to the support structure about a pivot axis, and the first contact member is positioned between the second contact member and the pivot axis of the pull pawl.

7. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first abutment member is positioned between the first contact member and the pivot axis of the pull pawl.

8. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle, as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, further includes a pull rod configured to move relative to the support structure from a stationary position to an operating position, wherein the pull pawl is movably disposed on the pull rod to selectively engage the ratchet teeth of the positioning ratchet.

9. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pull pawl is biased toward engaging the positioning ratchet.

10. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 further includes a first release member supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure between a first position and a second position, the first release member being operatively coupled to the positioning pawl to move the positioning pawl from the held position to the released position in response to the first release member moving from the first position to the second position.

11. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 10 further includes a release lever configured to be movable relative to the support structure to move the first release member from the first position to the second position.

12. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the release lever is configured such that it can pivot from a stationary position to a first operating position in a first operating direction about a first lever pivot axis relative to the support structure and from the stationary position to a second operating position in a second operating direction different from the first operating direction about a second lever pivot axis relative to the support structure.

13. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 10 further includes a second release member supported in a manner movable relative to the support structure between an initial position and an actuated position, the second release member being moved from the initial position toward the actuated position by means of the first release member moving from the first position toward the second position, and the positioning pawl being moved from the held position to the released position by means of the second release member moving from the initial position toward the actuated position.

14. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first release member includes a plurality of release pawls configured to sequentially contact the release portion of the second release member in response to a single progressive release operation of the first release member from the first position, thereby changing a plurality of the predetermined positions of the positioning ratchet.

15. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first release member is biased toward the first position by a biasing element.

16. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle, as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, further includes a stop pawl configured to move relative to the support structure between a stop position in which the stop pawl stops the release movement of the positioning ratchet and a non-stop position in which the stop pawl allows the release movement of the positioning ratchet.

17. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the positioning member includes the stop pawl, such that the positioning pawl and the stop pawl are pivotally mounted to the support structure as a single unit.

18. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle, as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, further includes a wire winder disposed on the positioning ratchet.

19. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein the wire winder and the positioning ratchet are biased relative to the support structure in a release direction, the release direction corresponding to the second direction.

20. The operating device for a human-powered vehicle, as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, further includes a handlebar attachment coupled to the support structure.

Images